Michael Stewart launched a furious rant at the VAR team after Rangers defender Vanja Dragojevic was penalised for a challenge on Hibs' Jason Kerr, leading to a penalty at Ibrox. With the match goalless, Dragojevic, playing at full-back, was involved in a tussle with Kerr as a corner was floated into the box. The visitors initially showed no reaction, but VAR official Matthew McDermid flagged the incident, prompting referee Don Robertson to review the pitch-side monitor.
Penalty awarded after VAR intervention
Robertson pointed to the spot, and Josh Campbell converted to give David Gray's side the lead in Glasgow. Stewart, speaking on Premier Sports, was left baffled by the decision, questioning why VAR intervened at all.
"I don't know why VAR are looking at this. It doesn't look great for Dragojevic, but Jason Kerr falls to the ground," the former Hibs midfielder said on commentary. "You just don't need to be getting involved in that, but it looks like they are going to give a penalty kick. It's absolutely incredible, nobody has looked at that in real time."
Stewart's verdict: 'A ludicrous decision'
Stewart argued that the incident was a mere coming together and that Kerr had his hands on Dragojevic's head as well. "It's way after the fact. I just don't see that there is any need for VAR to be getting involved in that. You could argue that Jason Kerr actually has his hands of Dragojevic's head as well," he added.
"It's a coming together. No need. It doesn't look good for Dragojevic, but he barely does anything. An absolute incredible decision from VAR. I have great sympathy for Don Robertson, because as he looks at that it is difficult for him not to give the penalty kick. But I think he should have been stronger, and just waved it away, personally. You see this happening all the time, that is never a penalty kick in a month of Sunday's. But it is given. It's a ludicrous decision."
