St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson weighed into the VAR penalty row from Celtic Park yesterday afternoon ahead of this afternoon’s match at McDiarmid Park. Alexandro Bernabei was not only penalised but was also cautioned after Nick Walsh, the referee who denied Celtic a stonewall penalty at Tynecastle a fortnight ago, called the match referee over to look at the VAR screen after the ball hit the Argentinian’s arm from behind.
Quite how Walsh could look at that and see a penalty when he ignored Celtic’s appeals at Tynecastle is something of a mystery or perhaps a funny-handshake secret.
“It definitely was not a penalty at Parkhead yesterday anyway, I will tell you that,” the Saints manager said, before admitting that his side has had the rub of the green VAR-wise with the new system helping to turn two draws into wins over the past few weeks. Crucially though, Davidson points out that VAR helped reach the correct decision in each instance, unlike at Tynecastle or indeed yesterday at Celtic Park.
“But I think VAR is good for me and our team. We have enjoyed the past two weeks. We would only have two points if it wasn’t for VAR,” Davidson told Sky Sports in his pre-match interview. “They got the right decisions in the end and we have managed to get six points, so I do enjoy it.
“The penalty rules are always the ones that I have said have got to change. There are far too many penalty decisions given for soft handballs. That is the biggest thing for me.”
🔁 A big change to the squad
🤔 His preferred formation?
⛔️ Being solid defensively
🥅 Goals for the season
📺 Is he enjoying VAR?St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson reflects on St Johnstone's start to the season and talks about tactics, transfers and targets ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/IpMjXvZX8V
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) November 6, 2022
"Why are we taking three minutes to make that decision? I don't understand it. My frustration is we are trying to play football that's entertaining, our fans want to see the team, our players want to play the game."
Ange Postecoglou pic.twitter.com/YyIWOSh8Yo— CelticQuote (@CelticQuote) November 6, 2022
READ THIS FROM DAVID POTTER…VAR referee Nick Walsh’s ludicrous penalty a sad moment for Scottish football
Sunday is book day 🍀⭐️📚
Signed copies available at https://t.co/nzslTsy8dI and Amazon, other than Walfrid and the Bould Bhoys which is completely sold out.
We’re really proud of our collection and blown away by your incredible support. 💚 pic.twitter.com/g5ewqRIxLV
— Matt Corr (@Boola_vogue) November 6, 2022
