Alistair Johnston handball: Rangers say no offside mentioned by VAR in Old Firm penalty check controversy

Rangers claim «overriding consensus» Alistair Johnston handball decision was wrong in 2-1 defeat at Celtic after meeting with Scottish FA; Club also criticises «haste» of decision and says VAR discussion did not mention possible offside against Abdallah Sima

Wednesday 3 January 2024 19:46, UK

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Rangers claim the VAR audio surrounding their penalty appeal in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Celtic includes no mention of an offside, after meeting with the SFA on Wednesday.

In a statement to Sky Sports News, Rangers confirmed they had met with the SFA in response to their request to release the audio surrounding a potential handball against Celtic's Alistair Johnston, which was reviewed by VAR Willie Collum at the time — but not given.

At the time, forward Abdallah Sima's offside position was mooted as a potential reason for the decision, but Rangers say they have now listened to the conversation between on-field referee and Nick Walsh and Collum and that it was not a factor in their discussions.

Rangers said after their meeting there had been an «overwhelming consensus» that the original decision had been incorrect, and also criticised the «haste» with which it was reached.

The club met the SFA four days after it had first criticised the country's governing body for not releasing the VAR audio — which has still not been made public. Sky Sports News has contacted the SFA for comment.

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A Rangers spokesperson told Sky Sports News: «Rangers FC today met with Scottish FA officials to discuss the VAR handball call and subsequent miscommunications from Saturday's Old Firm match.

»From the meeting, there was an overriding