Connor Barron told Rangers high boot ‘identical’ to Celtic red card sin as ex referee eviscerates VAR theory

Former SFA whistler Des Roache reckons Rangers midfielder Connor Barron should have been shown a red card for a high challenge during the clash with St Mirren.

In the Light Blues’ half, Buddies striker Toyosi Olusanya tried to start a counterattack, but the Ibrox star tried to take the ball away from him. The St Mirren forward went down clutching his face after a high tackle, but referee Calum Scott let play continue. Greg Aitken in the VAR room chose not to intervene and suggested that the man in the middle reconsider his choice, allowing the Gers’ star to escape without even receiving a yellow card.

However, through the Behind the Whistles podcast account on X, a fan asked Roache about the distinction between Celtic star Yang’s red card against Hearts last season. Referee Don Robertson increased the winger’s yellow card for a high boot on Alex Cochrane to a red after John Beaton sent him to the monitor in Clydesdale House to study the flashpoint.

“Identical ‘tackles’ and should have received identical sanctions,” Roache retorted. We argued that Barron ought to have been sent off as Yang was rightfully sent off. We’ll be watching for this in Wullie Collum’s (the SFA’s Head of Referee Operations) upcoming KMI (Key Match Incident) release.”

Marvin Bartley’s defense of the Rangers player and the referees, who maintained that VAR didn’t step in because there had been no communication with Olusanya, is undermined by that. “I don’t think there is that much contact in it,” he said to BBC Sportscene.

“Olusanya does him a favor even if he raises his hands in the air, but it’s undoubtedly a high foot and the intention is there. However, I believe Barron will be sent out if he makes any kind of contact with him there.

“I believe the referee is close enough to notice that he simply misses his face, because that’s when it gets really dangerous and reckless. The referee gets his foot, and I believe he makes the appropriate call.