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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Josh McCafferty

Willie Collum explains key decision that went Celtic's way vs Rangers at Ibrox

The SFA's head of refereeing, Willie Collum, has weighed in on Adam Idah's goal for Celtic against Rangers at Ibrox that was initially ruled out. 

The Irish striker thought he levelled up the match in the second half, only to see the linesman's flag raised as he wheeled away in celebration. 

After communication with VAR, however, a factual overturn was recommended, and Brendan Rodgers' men equalised. 


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Initially, an offside was given for Daizen Maeda's run in behind Rangers' backline. The Japanese forward was also subsequently the subject of another check for perhaps obstructing Liam Kelly's view. 

There was adjudged to have been no wrongdoing, though, and the goal was given.  

"It's the correct decision for us in the end," said Collum on the SFA's VAR review show

"The first offside is what the assistant referee is punishing. He believes that the Celtic player who is out wide is in an offside position. That is not the case. 

"There's a correct delay [of the flag] to allow the move to come to a natural conclusion. 

"A goal is then scored. Then they award the initial offside out wide. The VAR quickly checks that and come to the conclusion it's onside.  

"I want to mention again we would prefer these decisions are correct on field, but VAR is there for that reason. 

"Then there is good on-field comms from the referee because he mentions that there is a potential second offside. I think it's the Rangers goalkeeper who also claims for that. The VAR are then allowed the opportunity to check that. 

"You can see they come to a conclusion, correctly, that there is no impact in any line of vision. 

"This is a factual overturn, and there is no need for the referee to come to the monitor here. 

"We're really pleased with that."

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