Ref Watch expert Dermot Gallagher has delivered his verdict on two major calls in Livingston vs Rangers.
The former Premier League referee was quizzed on the decision to award Rangers a penalty, and also disallow a goal for handball in the 2-1 win against Livingston.
Referee John Beaton pointed to the spot in the first half for a pull on Nico Raskin in the box. The official had allowed play to continue before reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor and awarding a spot-kick.
🗣️ "Once it's drawn to your attention with VAR, you can't unsee it..." Ref Watch analysed Rangers' penalty and disallowed goal in their Premiership win at Livingston ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/0Rpu8muAYA
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) September 29, 2025
Stevie May was shown a yellow card for the foul on Raskin, with Gallagher agreeing with the decision after VAR intervention.
"I think the problem with these...once it is drawn to your attention with VAR, you can't unsee it," he said on Sky Sports.
"You actually see him pull the shirt. If it's not picked up on the VAR, would you expect it to be given, maybe not? But, when you see that like that, you can't defend against it."
Read more:
- Stoppage-time Max Aarons Rangers winner sees punter turn £30 bet into £39k
- Unseen moment proved the strength of feeling from Rangers fans towards Russell Martin
James Tavernier saw his spot-kick saved by the legs of Jerome Prior, with the score staying at 1-0.
Rangers looked to have doubled their lead before the break when Derek Cornelius fired home from close range. However, the goal was disallowed after a VAR intervention for handball.
Offering his verdict on the decision, Gallagher said: "I think the problem for the referee is that it is so crowded at the back post, he doesn't see it, there are too many bodies there.
"But again, once it is drawn to your attention, it is there, it is right in your eyeline, you give it."
Livingston would equalise in the 68th minute through Mo Sylla, but Rangers claimed victory through a Max Aarons stoppage-time strike.
