Fresh angle emerges as VAR controversy from recent Old Firm clash is clarified

Sky Sports has moved to clarify the VAR controversy surrounding Alistair Johnston’s challenge on Mikey Moore during the recent Old Firm clash between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C..

Johnston was shown a yellow card in the 39th minute following the tackle, but the incident quickly became a major talking point after Rangers boss Danny Röhl suggested the challenge should have been reviewed more seriously by VAR.

Questions were later raised on Ref Watch over whether the VAR team, led by John Beaton, had access to every available camera angle during the in-game review process. However, Sky Sports has now issued a clarification insisting that all relevant footage was available to officials at the time of the incident.

The broadcaster stated: “Sky Sports can clarify that all angles of Alistair Johnston’s tackle on Rangers’ Mikey Moore were available to VAR during Sunday’s Old Firm clash.”

The statement also addressed speculation that additional footage only became accessible at half-time, adding: “It was suggested on Ref Watch that the VAR team, led by John Beaton, did not have the full range of angles available until half-time.”

The clarification is likely to reignite debate surrounding the decision, with the incident already sparking strong reactions from both sets of supporters following Celtic’s 3-1 victory over Rangers at Parkhead.