Rangers fan puts Celtic rival right on Hotline as he delves into archive to dismiss penalty agenda theory

The SFA are set to take the wrapping off VAR in time for Christmas and it can’t come soon enough for Scottish football fans. The technology might not be a cure to all refereeing ills but punters would certainly rather have it in place.

It comes after Rangers’ penalty award against St Mirren at the weekend came under scrutiny – just the latest decision to go under the microscope this season. Craig Gordon from Ayr provoked a response after hitting out on Sunday’s Hotline at the spot kick for Declan Gallagher’s challenge on Antonio Colak, claiming the Ibrox side are consistently awarded more spot kicks than their rivals.

That prompted one caller, who must have plenty of time on his hands, to delve into his archive and get out the calculator to provide a definite answer on that very point. Andy Scott, Edinburgh, said: “After reading the angry and ill informed rant from Craig Gordon in Ayr, I thought I would add some reality to the discussion on penalties awarded. I'm sorry to be the one who shatters his illusion of persecution but since 2001/02 Rangers have been awarded 14 more penalties than Celtic, over 17 seasons, when both were in the same league. That equates to less than one more per season. Hardly cause for concern let alone proof of an agenda against Celtic. Perhaps Mr Gordon should become acquainted with the benefits of factual evidence prior to his next missive.”

One man who wants VAR sooner rather than later - it could be in place by the end of this month - is Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, who said: “How on Earth can either Celtic or Rangers be prepared to take on class sides in Europe after taking on the hammer throwers of Perth and Paisley? That's Tom Lawrence already knobbled and out until Christmas.