Des Roache was astonished by the incident involving Rangers defender Clinton Nsiala against Hearts on Sunday.
Gers won 3-1 at Tynecastle on Sunday, but the outcome could have been quite different if the visitors had been awarded a penalty.
Nsiala appeared to force James Wilson to the floor in the second period, but John Beaton did not point to the spot, and VAR did not interfere.
Steven McLean, the game’s VAR, examined the event but concluded that there was insufficient evidence to overturn it.
Des Roache discusses whether Rangers were lucky against Hearts.
Roache, a former UEFA official, stated that it was a clear penalty and was surprised that it was not awarded.
In his opinion, the 21-year-old obviously put both hands on Wilson’s back and pushed him to the ground inside the penalty box.
He told the Daily Record: “It’s very clear, it’s a penalty. Nsiala had definitely placed two hands on Wilson’s back. It doesn’t matter where the ball is or what’s going on; he’s entirely preventing the guy from attempting to go for it. Nsiala wasn’t going to get the ball anyway, but pushing him through the back with two hands is a foul.
“I’m quite surprised (VAR didn’t intervene). Steven McLean was the VAR, and he is clearly highly experienced. I am amazed he didn’t get involved. Most reasonable football fans would anticipate a penalty for that.
“There’s two hands in the rear. It’s a foul in the penalty area. If it occurred outside of the penalty area, it is a foul. Penalty kick all day long, 100%.”
Clinton Nsiala was fortunate not to have conceded a penalty against Hearts.
This was one of those clear-and-obvious decisions, and it was not in that territory, therefore the VAR did not request that the referee intervene.
The problem with such phrase is that it becomes subjective, and it boils down to what the referee says.
Had he pointed to the spot, as Roache indicated, a penalty would have been awarded, and the VAR would have had insufficient evidence to overturn it.
There were two hands on Wilson’s back, and Nsiala should be cautious inside the penalty area because various officials may interpret similar situations differently.
Even after the game, there were two opposing opinions, and both have valid claims.
It’s the type of choice that, if it goes against you, you have every reason to be furious, but if it goes in your favor, you feel vindicated given previous decisions that went against you.
However, Gers will be relieved to be able to win again following their humiliating setback to Queen’s Park in the Cup.
While it may not completely relieve Clement’s stress, it will provide him with some breathing room.
