Livingston Denied Clear Penalty Against Rangers: Here’s Why

Recently, a contentious incident occurred during a match between Livingston and Rangers that raised questions about VAR’s effectiveness in officiating contentious moments. The situation revolved around a potential penalty that was ultimately denied, leading to frustration from the Livingston camp.

VAR Decision: The Controversy Explained

The VAR headquarters communicated that the positioning of defender Fernandez’s arm, along with his proximity to Yengi, was the reason no penalty was awarded. However, video replays appeared to show Fernandez moving his arm towards the ball, igniting Livingston’s outrage over the decision.

Livingston’s Reaction

Livingston manager, David Martindale, expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity from the officials. He pointed out that referee Hardie did not review the incident himself, further escalating their frustration. Martindale stated,

• “I’ve not had an explanation.”
• “I’d argue his arm is not in a natural position, but he makes a movement towards the ball.”
• “The ball was going on target.”

Martindale emphasized the significant investment clubs make in technology to ensure accurate decision-making. He remarked on the disappointing nature of the situation, suggesting that the issue lies more with the people operating the technology than the technology itself.

Conclusion

This incident illustrates the ongoing debate surrounding VAR and its interpretation in critical match situations. As teams continue to invest heavily in technology, calls for improved understanding and execution of VAR protocols will only grow stronger.