Former FIFA referee and PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has questioned how Rangers' James Penrice was allowed to stay on the pitch after a high challenge on Aberdeen's Afeez Aremu. Hackett told Football Insider that the incident was "clearly serious foul play" and should have resulted in an instant red card.
Rangers beat Aberdeen 1-0 at Hampden on Saturday to reach the Premier Sports Cup final, but the match was marked by several refereeing flashpoints. Handball claims in both penalty areas drew attention, though the major talking point was Penrice's late, high challenge on Aremu.
Challenge Sparks Debate
Midway through the first half, Penrice caught the Dons playmaker above the hip with his left boot. Many observers felt the force and height of the challenge warranted a red card. However, referee Ryan Lee, officiating his first national semi-final, did not even issue a booking, and VAR official John Beaton chose not to intervene.
The decision was criticised by pundit Michael Stewart, while Des Roache and Steve Conroy on the Ref's View podcast also condemned the officials for failing to punish Penrice, who later set up Ryan Naderi's winning goal.
Hackett Questions VAR
Hackett added: "That was clearly serious foul play, and should have seen a red card produced instantly. The fact that no action was taken comes as a surprise. Why was there no intervention by VAR?"
