Ex-SFA Referees Slam Handball ‘Inconsistency’ After Penalty Call on Liam Scales
Former Scottish Football Association referees have voiced strong criticism over what they describe as ongoing “inconsistency” in handball decisions after the controversial penalty awarded against Celtic defender Liam Scales in the club’s win over Hibernian.
The incident occurred in the second half when the ball struck Scales’ arm inside the box, leading to a Hibs penalty that cut Celtic’s lead and briefly shifted momentum. While Celtic ultimately held on for the victory, the debate surrounding the call has overshadowed much of the post-match reaction.
Ex-Referees Question VAR Standards
Several ex-SFA officials, speaking to Scottish media, questioned why similar incidents elsewhere this season have not resulted in penalties—highlighting what they see as a lack of consistency in how the handball law is interpreted.
One former referee stated that decisions like the one against Scales “simply aren’t being judged by the same standard week to week,” adding that the rule is already difficult for defenders, and inconsistent officiating only adds to the frustration.
Another ex-official argued that VAR should have instructed the referee to review the incident at the monitor, saying the contact appeared accidental and Scales’ arm position “could easily be considered natural for the movement he was making.”
Scales Gives Honest Response
Liam Scales himself kept his reaction measured. After the match, the Celtic defender admitted he “wasn’t going to complain,” acknowledging that his arm may have been raised.
“I thought it was going to go to VAR and probably be given,” he said. “You just don’t know which way it goes anymore.”
His comments echoed a feeling shared by many players across the Premiership who have struggled with unclear boundaries around the handball law.
Growing Calls for Clarification
This latest dispute has added to mounting pressure on the SFA to review how handball decisions are officiated and how VAR intervenes. Critics argue that without clearer guidance and uniform application, controversial calls will continue to dominate headlines.
Analysts also fear that such inconsistencies risk undermining trust among supporters and players—especially in high-stakes matches where a single decision can dramatically change the outcome.
What Happens Next?
With the festive fixture calendar tightening and every point crucial for the title race, refereeing decisions will remain a major talking point. Whether the SFA issues fresh guidelines or adjustments remains to be seen, but the latest backlash makes one thing clear: the handball debate is far from over.
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