Football pundits debate VAR decisions in Premier League and Scottish Premiership

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has addressed two separate officiating controversies following recent football matches.

In the Premier League, Jay Bothroyd expressed disagreement with Gallagher regarding a disallowed goal for Everton against Hull City. Brennan Johnson had a goal ruled out for offside following a VAR review, a decision the Premier League stated was correct as the player was deemed to be in an offside position and interfering with play. Bothroyd argued that the goal should have stood.

In the Scottish Premiership, Gallagher defended the decision to allow a Rangers goal against Kilmarnock to stand. Despite claims from Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann that Kevin Kelsy handled the ball during the play, Gallagher noted that without conclusive camera angles proving contact with the arm, the referee was correct to let the goal stand, stating, “If you’re not certain, it’s got to be a goal.”