VAR audio leak of 'harsh' Rangers penalty vs Alloa shows exactly what officials thought

Cameron O'Donnell was punished for handball after referee Dan McFarlane reviewed the incident

The VAR team were scrutinising if Oscar Cortes was denied a goal for Rangers by Alloa defender Cameron O'Donnell before awarding a spot-kick.

That is according to Michael Stewart - who broke rank to offer a unique insight on the information provided to the commentary team during the Premier Sports Cup last 16 clash.

At the time of the flashpoint, Russell Martin's side led 2-1 in the as winger Cortes struck the ball in the box from a cross ball.

He was closely marked by Wasps substitute O'Donnell with the ball striking his hand.

VAR Greg Aitken advised referee Dan McFarlane to review the incident at the pitch side monitor - with the man in the middle giving the foul.

That allowed James Tavernier to score from 12 yards out - with Rangers eventually running out 4-2 winners to reach the quarter-final stage to tee up clash with Livingston or Hibs.

IFAB rules state that if a player's non-deliberate handball denies a goal or clear scoring opportunity a penalty will be awarded with the defensive player receiving a yellow - which happened in the case of O'Donnell.

However, had the defender not been deemed to be denying a goal or clear scoring opportunity with a non-deliberate handball the incident would have been "treated similarly to other fouls."

The laws state that whistler McFarlane and the VAR team would "consider whether the handball was an attempt to play the ball or challenge for it, and the penalty will be applied accordingly."

The lawmakers also urge officials to consider whether the defensive player's arm is in a natural position and to consider the distance between the ball and the hand.

On co-commentary, Stewart revealed the audio that Premier Sports were picking up from the VAR room that the trajectory of Cortes' effort was the main talking point in Clydesdale House.

He said: "Just looking back at the penalty kick, the VAR official is obviously talking about that it was accidental but the ball was going on target.

"I was under the impression that if the arm was in a position that is a consequence of the movement you wouldn’t be punished for it. But, the officials on this occasion have seen differently."

Asked about the distance between the hand and the ball by Rory Hamilton, he said: "You are talking about probably a foot between the ball and where his hand eventually is. I think it’s harsh on Alloa."

Post-match, former Rangers star Alan Hutton felt it was a tough call on Andy Graham's men: "I do feel for him (O'Donnell) a little bit.

"Look, he is trying to get back in, be aggressive and go toe-to-toe with Cortes. When I first saw it I didn't think there was anything wrong with it.

"It's so close that it's difficult to get out of the way. I think it's (his hand) is in a natural position. He is trying to clear the ball. I feel for him, but I also understand why it was given. It's possibly going on target."

Stewart cut in: "You know, we are obviously listening to VAR and that is the thing that was being spoken about - in terms of if the strike was potentially on target.

"I mean, as much as that feels not like a natural thing - if there is a shot on target that is a consequence - I think the overriding factor is he is less than a foot away from him, his arm is in what you would regard as a natural position due to the movement he is marking. So, I do think it was unfortunate, and harsh on O'Donnell and Alloa."