Why VAR Overturned the Penalty Decision for Hearts Against Celtic

Hearts had a penalty overturned against Celtic around the 30th minute after a Lawrence Shankland header from a set-piece struck Hoops defender Liam Scales.

Referee Colin Steven initially awarded a penalty to Hearts, but the decision was reviewed by VAR.

Following the VAR review, Steven reversed his decision, much to the frustration of Hearts players and supporters who surrounded the referee in protest.

Despite their objections, the right decision was made, reflecting Willie Collum’s new approach to Scottish officiating and demonstrating that VAR is working effectively under his guidance.

The confusion surrounding the reversal stemmed from questions about whether the ball had first touched Shankland’s arm before hitting Scales.

However, replays clarified that this was not the case.

This is never a penalty but when you consider that penalty hearts got for nothing after VAR check last season at Tynecastle it makes the blood boil. pic.twitter.com/elhNXi3Ym9

— Michael Celtic (@MichaelCeltic18) September 14, 2024

At half-time, BBC Scotland commentator Liam McLeod provided insight into the reasoning behind the decision, clarifying the thought process of both the referee and VAR in reaching the final outcome.

McLeod said: (BBC Sportsound), “The referee initially judged that Scales’ arm was in an unnatural position and that the ball had Traveled a significant distance to be considered a handball.

“However, upon review, it was determined that the arm was in a natural position and that the ball had not Traveled far enough to constitute a handball. Additionally, the ball struck the arm too high to be penalised.”

Pundit Michael Stewart supported the final decision, affirming, “Yes, the right call was made. Liam’s explanation aligns with what we observed and what we thought during the Game.

“It’s reassuring to see that referees are making the correct decisions based on the rules.”

Clearly, the right decision was made.

SFA Head of Referee Operations Willie Collum discussed the new VAR rules on Clyde 1 Super Scoreboard midweek, revealing that incidents from such close range should not penalise the defender.

This common-sense approach, which involves both referees and VAR, was simply not present last season, with Tomoki Iwata wrongly penalised in the reverse fixture.