Ally McCoist has claimed referee Steven McLean 'switched a decision' in the match between Rangers and Celtic after a word in his ear from a colleague.

The pundit suggested the official was informed that he had made an error on a minor decision in the match at Ibrox and quickly reversed his call.

McLean was in charge during the 3-0 win for Rangers with the match passing without major incident. He was assisted by Greg Aitken on VAR and fourth official Don Robertson.

However, McCoist has called for referees to be allowed to take charge of the match themselves without interruption unless absolutely necessary - even if it means a few genuine mistakes being made.

Not pinpointing the exact incident, McCoist claimed McLean's alleged decision switch came over a "general tackle" with the correct decision achieved after intervention from a colleague.

Questioning the unseen incident, McCoist said: "Clearly, somebody on the sidelines shouted in his ear and he changed the decision immediately.

"Not a major decision - I'm not talking a goalmouth incident, ball over the line or a penalty incident. I'm talking about a general tackle in play and he changed the decision.

"Now, some people will argue - and he did eventually get the decision right - that's good, I don't think it is.

"I think there has to be a refreshing honesty about people making mistakes whether it's players, coaches, referees that has now been taken away."

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While VAR didn't play a major role in the derby clash at Ibrox, McCoist went on to question the way the technology is being used.

He added: "I just think the whole thing...it's all about VAR now. We've forgotten that it is meant to be a tool to help if and when required rather than being used just about for every minute of the game now.

"It's the people that are using the technology because the technology is providing the evidence and sometimes - and it's happened an awful lot - it's the people looking at the evidence that come to the wrong decision which I find very, very difficult to accept."

McCoist blasted delays over celebrations due to VAR as "absolute nonsense" as he continued his rant on the controversial technology insisting the fan experience has been impacted.

"I contradict because I thought VAR would be a good thing," admitted McCoist. "I thought anything that righted a wrong can only be a good thing.

"But on that issue I think it has taken the general excitement away from the fans. Some people will tell me, 'Not at all because it keeps people on tenterhooks for another two minutes'. I think that is nonsense, absolute nonsense.

"Supporters now are having to think about a celebration at a goal rather than enjoy the goal, they are looking at linesmen, looking at VAR. That can't be good. It can't be good.

"We are taking natural reaction away from the game. And as I say, there is something honest and dare I say refreshing about people making genuine mistakes because that is what has happened before and it will continue to happen. It has become too much of a focus now, everything is about VAR."