Is Handball Really No Problem in the Premiership, According to Collum?

The Scottish FA's head of refereeing, Willie Collum, has stated that the Premiership does not have a "handball problem" despite acknowledging a significant error in the recent match between Rangers and Livingston. This incident, where a penalty should have been awarded after Tete Yengi's shot struck Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez's outstretched arm, has raised questions about the consistency of officiating in Scottish football.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

In light of recent VAR reviews, Collum's comments come after increased scrutiny of officiating standards in Scottish football, particularly regarding handball decisions. While he admitted to a mistake in the Rangers vs. Livingston match, he maintained that the overall application of handball rules across the league is satisfactory. The Scottish FA's acknowledgment of this error adds pressure on referees and VAR officials to ensure such mistakes do not recur, especially in high-stakes matches.

Key takeaways

• Willie Collum admits a penalty should have been awarded to Livingston against Rangers.
• Other handball incidents reviewed were deemed correctly officiated.
• The Scottish FA insists that the league does not face a widespread handball problem.

Timeline: how we got here

Recent events have highlighted the ongoing discussions surrounding handball decisions in the Scottish Premiership:

• August 2023: The season begins with VAR implemented for all matches.
• October 2023: The Rangers vs. Livingston match occurs on 28 October, where a key handball decision is contested.
• 30 October 2023: Willie Collum addresses the media, clarifying the Scottish FA's stance on handball officiating.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Collum's admission regarding the handball incident at Ibrox represents a significant acknowledgment from the Scottish FA about officiating errors impacting match outcomes. The governing body has faced criticism for its handling of VAR protocols, and this incident has reignited debates over their effectiveness.

What was already established

Prior to Collum's comments, there had been ongoing discussions about the consistency of handball rulings across the league. Many fans and pundits have voiced concerns following various controversial decisions, suggesting that the introduction of VAR has not fully resolved the issues surrounding handball interpretations.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For everyday fans and households, the integrity of officiating can significantly affect matchday experiences and perceptions of fairness in the sport. Decisions impacting the title race or relegation battles have far-reaching implications for clubs, fans, and local economies.

Businesses and jobs

Clubs rely on the integrity of officiating to maintain fan engagement, ticket sales, and sponsorships. Any perception of bias or inconsistency can deter fans from attending matches, affecting revenue streams for businesses associated with football.

Policy and regulation

As discussions around officiating standards continue, the Scottish FA may implement further training for referees and VAR officials. Upcoming reviews and consultations will likely focus on improving the clarity of handball rules and their application to avoid similar controversies in the future.

Numbers that matter

• 1: The number of acknowledged errors in the recent Rangers vs. Livingston match regarding handball.
• 5: Total handball incidents reviewed by the Scottish FA in the latest VAR review.
• 2: The final score of the match between Rangers and Livingston, which had implications for league standings.

Definitions and jargon buster

• VAR: Video Assistant Referee, a technology used to review decisions made by on-field referees.
• Handball: A term used in football to describe when a player deliberately touches the ball with their hand or arm.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect immediate scrutiny on officiating standards as clubs and fans call for consistency in handball rulings. The Scottish FA may introduce additional training sessions for referees.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As discussions evolve, the Scottish FA might consider revising handball rules or implementing clearer guidelines for VAR usage. Stakeholder meetings could occur to address ongoing concerns.

Signals to watch

• Future VAR reviews and their outcomes will be crucial in assessing the effectiveness of officiating.
• Public and media reactions to refereeing decisions, especially in key matches.
• Changes to training protocols for referees and VAR officials.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay informed about officiating standards and any updates from the Scottish FA.
• Engage in discussions about the impact of refereeing on the sport.

Don’t

• Assume that all handball decisions will be consistent; be prepared for ongoing debates.
• Dismiss the importance of VAR in improving officiating standards.

Checklist

• Monitor upcoming matches for any changes in officiating protocols.
• Evaluate how your club's performance may be affected by refereeing decisions.
• Engage with fan communities to discuss perceptions of officiating fairness.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Scottish FA has acknowledged the handball error, it remains uncertain how this will impact future matches. The subjective nature of handball rulings means that not all fans will be satisfied with the outcomes. Additionally, ongoing scrutiny may lead to pressure on referees, potentially affecting their performance negatively.

Bottom line

The recent admission by the Scottish FA regarding a penalty error in the Rangers vs. Livingston match highlights ongoing concerns about officiating in the Premiership. As the league navigates this complex issue, fans and clubs alike will be keenly watching how the governing body addresses these challenges in the coming weeks to restore confidence in match officiating.

FAQs

What did Willie Collum say about the handball incident?

Willie Collum admitted that a penalty should have been awarded to Livingston for the handball incident against Rangers, describing it as a clear error.

Are there more handball issues in the Scottish Premiership?

Collum stated that he does not believe there is a widespread handball problem in the Premiership, claiming that most handball decisions are being correctly officiated.

How does this affect future officiating in the league?

The Scottish FA may introduce additional training and clearer guidelines for referees to improve the consistency of handball rulings in future matches.