Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has slammed top flight referees in Scotland, claiming they are taking the "coward's way out" when it comes to making decisions.

The ex-Scotland international feels the officials are over relient on VAR and that the technology is taking charge of the games rather than the officials themselves.

And he pinpointed the recent controversy at Ibrox where a penalty was not given after the ball appearedto strike Rangers defender Connor Goldson's hand during the New Year match between the Glasgow rivals.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: "I just feel referees are not reffing the game now.

"The Rangers v Celtic game, the Goldson handball, I will never forget the referee saying it is not his decision.

"It is a coward’s way out. If you are going to give the penalty just stand up and accept it, but they do not now they just blame it on VAR.

"50 penalties and not one against Rangers. "I am sure Celtic have got away with some decision but they have still conceded some."

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Ex-Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama has joked that he told Hoops right-back Alistair Johnston to "got to the gym" so that the Canadian was "ready to lift a lot of trophies".

The two men played together for MLS side CF Montreal and the Kenyan has revealed what he told the 23-year-old when the defender was first linked with the club.

Wanyama, who won back-to-back league titles during his time at Parkhead, has nothing but good things to say about Johnston.

Speaking to the Celtic View Podcast, he said: "Alistair, what a player first of all, and what a man. Besides football, he’s a very good human being.

"He asked me about Celtic and I told him everything. (I told him) that’s the place to be.

"Since then I couldn’t stop telling him about Celtic. I pushed him there and I was happy that he made that move.

"I’m also happy seeing him perform well every weekend. I still support the team so I’m happy when they do well."

Wanyama also revealed that he still follows the Hoops and watches as many games a possible.

"Sure, I try to follow every game,” he continued. "Some of them are very early in the morning but I still try to watch.

"The team are doing well so I told Alistair that he had to go to the gym so that he can be ready to lift a lot of trophies.

"He was not used to that. Now he has to get used to it, so he needs more gym so he is able to lift the trophies."