SFA explain VAR stance on Rangers ‘handball’ penalty let off for Emmanuel Fernandez vs Livingston
John Beaton in the VAR room opted against sending the referee to the monitor
15:57, 22 Nov 2025
Yengi’s shot is blocked by Fernandez(Image: SNS Group)
The SFA have explained VAR’s decision to not award Livingston a penalty for a handball by Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez.
Danny Rohl’s side raced into an early lead at Ibrox as the summer recruit nodded in his first goal for the club, but the hosts had their advantage cancelled out by Tete Yengi.
Things could have gone from bad to worse for Rangers as the £3.25m recruit Fernandez was at the centre of the action once again.
Livingston goalscorer Yengi saw a shot cannon off his arm in the first half as he attempted an effort from the edge of the box but referee Ross Hardie was unmoved.
John Beaton in the VAR room opted against flagging the incident – with the SFA issuing an explanation of the decision to the BBC.
Commentator Paul Mitchell said on Sportsound: “We are getting some information coming through from VAR, just to say that the ball did actually strike the hand but it did come off the body, and therefore it wouldn’t have been a problem.
“It was a natural movement. The lower part of the arm, as we understand. John Beaton said no penalty. I wonder if Livingston would like another little look at that.”
Former Rangers star Richard Foster felt it was a let off as he said: “His arm is tucked in. It is not outstretched at all, but if it’s on target I don’t know.
Tete Yengi’s shot is blocked by Emmanuel Fernandez(Image: PA)
“Having seen it again, I think they are quite lucky. It could easily have been given. I think that is a penalty.
“I think the movement is natural but it stops the ball going on target. I think Livingston are very, very unlucky to not get a penalty.”
Michael Stewart was left baffled adding: “That’s unfathomable that VAR has looked at that and said no. His arm is outstretched. It’s on target. That’s outrageous from VAR.”
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