Killie boss Neil McCann was unhappy about the call after the 3-1 defeat at Ibrox on Saturday
(Image: SNS Group)
Bobby Madden reckons that VAR could not have intervened in Rangers striker Kevin Kelsy ‘s goal against Kilmarnock amid handball claims.
The former SFA whistler insists that there was no “clear footage” that showed the ball striking the attacker’ hand – despite protests from Rugby Park gaffer Neil McCann.
The Venezuela international would take down a Dan Neil cross on the edge of the box, before the £9million man tripped to the floor as he attempted to control the ball.
McCann insisted that Kelsy had touched the ball with his hand at this stage – but referee Matthew MacDermid did not intervene.
The frontman would set himself before lashing the ball beyond Killie goalkeeper Calum Ferrie, with Grant Irvine in the VAR room refusing to intervene.
McCann vented his frustration at the decision following the full-time whistle, but speaking to the ‘So Near, Yet So VAR’ podcast Madden said: “I waited to see the images, and I have gone through them in super slow-motion.
“You will see the ball come in, and Kelsy takes the contact on his chest.
“The next contact comes off the foot of the Kilmarnock defender, and the spin on the ball forces the ball to drop directly in front of Kelsy and his arms are out.
“For me, I don’t believe that it does strike the arm, and even if it does there is no clear footage to show that it does. So, there is no way VAR can intervene.”
Rangers striker Kevin Kelsy before netting vs Kilmarnock
Former Premier League whistler Mark Clattenburg added: “If there is no clear evidence, stay with the on-field decision. If there is clear evidence, I am all for it [VAR], if there is no clear evidence then stick with the on-field decision.”
Madden noted guidance from UEFA on the use of VAR for the current campaign: “UEFA met with the 57 member associations this year and said they really wanted to raise that bar. Only interfere when it’s a blatant error.
“I think there has been a lot of that. They should be applauded for that”
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