Alex Iacovitti Celtic handball shows VAR is 'killing our game' declares former ref in Goldson and Considine contrast

Raging former referee Des Roache insists VAR is "killing our game" after Celtic's penalty award in the showdown with Ross County.

With the Scottish Premiership showdown goalless and the half-time whistle approaching, County captain Alex Iacovitti challenged Cameron Carter-Vickers for the ball from a corner in an aerial duel with the ball. Whistler Willie Collum initially waved play on but was sent to the monitor by Steven Kirkland in the VAR room, and would then award Celtic a spot kick leading to Jota breaking the deadlock at Dingwall.

The decision in the 2-0 victory, where Alexandro Bernabei added a late second for the visitors in the Highlands, led to a furious response from Ross County boss Malky Mackay - admitting he was "really surprised" to be the defender punished while battling for a corner. Speaking to The Get Involved Referee podcast, Roache agreed with the Staggies' boss and pointed to similar flashpoints that went under the radar.

He said: “It's very soft in my opinion but we've seen so many other incidents like this where it's not been given. Andy Considine smacks the ball away with hand and nothing given (against Kilmarnock).

"Connor Goldson has had two similar incidents like this and nothing given. The individual’s interpretation is killing our game." And fellow ex-ref Steve Conroy added: “The Considine incident is a stand alone testament to incompetence!"

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