Aberdeen have sought clarity from the Scottish Football Association over James Penrice’s high challenge on Afeez Aremu. Dons chief executive Adrian Bevington asked the question following Saturday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat to Rangers at Hampden.
The Rangers defender and newly-called-up Scotland squad member caught Aberdeen midfielder Afeez with a high boot to the body. Referee Ryan Lee, who was only yards from the incident, took no action against Penrice for his challenge. That view was backed up by VAR official John Beaton, who reviewed the footage during the game.
Bevington raises concerns with SFA
Bevington spoke to the SFA’s VAR manager Martin Atkinson to ask why on-field action wasn’t taken at Hampden. The pair know each other from their time in English football. Atkinson and Bevington have had a constructive discussion and a line has now been drawn under the incident.
The incident blew up on social media after the Hampden clash. Aberdeen lost the semi-final 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Ryan Naderi. Ironically, Naderi was set-up by Penrice, as his ball into the box allowed the striker to break the stiff resistance of Stephen Robinson’s side.
Former official criticises challenge
Former top English Premier League and Champions League official Mark Clattenburg claimed earlier this week that Penrice’s challenge was like something out of Karate Kid and he was surprised a red card wasn’t shown. Clattenburg, speaking on the So Near, Yet So Var podcast, said: “I thought I was watching Karate Kid! If you look at it, the ball isn’t really there. The player knows what he is doing.
“He’s just decided he wants to catch his opponent high with his studs. When you’re playing the ball, when you’re trying to play, you don’t go in like that. You would go in with your body, you would go in with your knee. You don’t go in with your studs and make a clear movement with the studs towards the opponent’s rubs. I was surprised it wasn’t red, I’ve seen it in real time.”
Penrice, who is on loan from AEK Athens, received his first Scotland call-up this week. National coach Sebastien Pocognoli has named the Rangers loanee in his squad for the Nations League games with North Macedonia and Switzerland.
