Rangers ‘flying swan’ penalty blasted by two top refs as third backs VAR

Three former top referees have offered split opinions regarding a controversial penalty awarded to Rangers against St Mirren. Referee Nick Walsh pointed to the spot after James Penrice went down following a challenge from Samuel Ramos, and the decision was upheld by VAR.

Mark Clattenburg and Bobby Madden both argued on the So Near, Yet So VAR podcast that Penrice exaggerated the contact and that a penalty should not have been awarded. Conversely, Dermot Gallagher stated on Sky Sports' Ref Watch that it was correct for VAR not to overturn Walsh's on-field decision due to the clear view and contact.