Honest Mistakes: Week Four - "Oh, it's deflected!"
The Derby weekend was overshadowed by more post-match controversy. Most of the noise come from unskilled partisans.
Thankfully we have the Yorkshire Whistler. Although given Sheffield Wednesday’s start to the season it is likely his mood isn’t great!
Special thanks, nonetheless.
The impact of big calls being incorrect can then be evaluated using the framework outlined here -> Honest Mistakes in the SPFL.
SPFL Game Week Four
03/09/23 The Rangers vs Celtic
Incident 1
Referee Don Robertson Game Minute 25th Score At Time 0-0
Incident Kyogo is pushed by Butland then Goldson in the box Outcome No decision Evidence (3) Rangers 0-1 Celtic | Bhoys Take Old Firm Victory | cinch Premiership - YouTube
At 1:00
Yorkshire Whistler Verdict Kyogo is pushed by Butland then Goldson
Initial on field decision: No foul
Kyogo comes into contact with both Rangers keeper and defender as the ball is cleared in the air. Although Kyogo receives some contact here, there is not enough to warrant a foul. They are just wanting him out of their personal space as they reset in anticipation of the next ball into the box and are not looking to impede Kyogo in any way.
Verdict: CORRECT decision to not award a foul
Expected Points
Outcome
No impact
Incident 2
Referee Don Robertson Game Minute 28th Score At Time 0-0
Incident Roofe scores for TRFC Outcome Goal awarded overturned to foul to Celtic after VAR review Evidence (3) Rangers 0-1 Celtic | Bhoys Take Old Firm Victory | cinch Premiership - YouTube
At 1:19
Yorkshire Whistler Verdict Roofe scores
Initial on field decision: Goal disallowed for a foul on Lagerbielke in the build up
I suspect this was viewed as a contentious decision by both sides at the time and I can imagine has split opinion. My first reaction in real time was that the Rangers player had not committed an offence and had ‘picked the pocket’ of the away player so to speak.
That appears to be on field referees thought as well, but VAR asks him to review the footage. In slow motion you can see that the Rangers player actually gets his foot in front of the Celtic player’s boot as he goes to kick it. It might seem harsh on the Rangers player as he hasn’t actually made the contact on the Celtic player but in the context of this particular incident I can see why the foul is awarded.
It is the Celtic player who is already in possession of the ball (as opposed to be a free ball up for grabs) and the Rangers player has to stretch his leg around from behind, whilst Lagerbielke is already in motion to the play the ball. If the Rangers player made contact with the ball first before Lagerbielke’s foot I would say no foul. But he didn’t and as such has impeded the player in possession of the ball and interferes with his ability to play said ball.
Overall, a subjective decision that I’m sure has split opinion, but once overturned I would say there is enough evidence to support the VAR decision to award the free kick.
Verdict: CORRECT decision
Expected Points
Outcome
No impact
Incident 3
Referee Don Robertson Game Minute 80th Score At Time 0-1
Incident Maeda and Cantwell challenge in the box Outcome No decision Evidence BBC iPlayer - Sportscene - Premiership Highlights 2023/24: 03/09/2023
At 12:00
Yorkshire Whistler Verdict Maeda & Cantwell challenge in box
Initial on field decision: No foul
Maeda gets his body in between Cantwell and ball. Cantwell appears to bounce off his shoulder and goes to ground easily.
Just plain old upper body strength here and clearly no foul committed.
Verdict: CORRECT decision
Expected Points
Outcome
No impact
Summary
My thanks as always to the Yorkshire Whistler.
Congratulations are due to Don Robertson and team for getting the big calls correct in the big game.
Whilst surprising they were awarded the tie given Alan Muir and Robertson’s performances when Celtic met Kilmarnock not two weeks ago, you must give praise where it is due.
A worldwide Sky TV audience and mass scrutiny certainly has everyone on their best behaviour!
The (a cynic might say faux) outrage over the disallowed Roofe goal seems way out of keeping with the nature of the incident – a clear and easy foul to award. That performance from the home side won’t deflect itself I suppose. Phew! Keep your head down Micky!
No major changes to the SPFL title race in terms of week four impacts on expected points.
The Rangers have 0.63 less points than expected due to the impact of Honest Mistakes.
Celtic lead by four points after four matches.