Barron had confidence that Rangers handball incident would go his way

Hearts were adamant that they deserved a spot-kick when Yan Dhanda's cross struck Barron on the arm inside the box. But the whistler decided against even checking the VAR monitor.

That's a contrast to what supporters and players had come to expect last season, because new SFA head of refereeing Willie Collum has told officials to use football understanding when it comes to handball incidents to ensure there's less frequent VAR interruptions.

(Image: Sky Sports)

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Despite that, Barron wasn't to know what the decision would be when the ball ricochet off his upper body during the Scottish Premiership showdown at Tynecastle Park. 

"I was confident [it wasn't going to be a penalty]," the Light Blues newbie confessed. 

"I had them right down by my side but look, you never know what can happen. It goes through your head a little bit but I was alright. I knew I was safe."

Neil McCann and James McFadden both thought Hearts were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty after the first-half flashpoint.

McCann immediately said on Sky Sports commentary: "I think Connor's arm is up and away. I tell you what, last season we saw them given. We definitely saw them given, maybe there's a little bit more relaxation of the laws of the game. But you can see there that Dhanda is trying to flight it in. Is his hand up there? Does it need to be up there? He's relieved.

"I have to say, I'm pleased about it [changes to the handball rule] because last season we saw too many penalties given, and wrongly in my opinion."

While McFadden was shocked at Walsh's verdict but acknowledged that if that's the new rules then it needs to remain consistent throughout the entire season. 

He commented: "I think because how close his arm is to his body and close proximity to the ball. Last season, without a doubt that would've been given.

"I think it's right that they look at it, the main point would be that as long as that's consistent throughout the season, then fair enough. You can see his arm is close to his body, he does push his arm up.

"Personally I thought that was a penalty at the time. But I understand the way that referees are going to look at these decisions and not give them. The most important thing is that continues throughout the season."

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Reflecting on his competitive Rangers debut, Barron said: "We didn't get the three points so it wasn't the perfect day for me. The result wasn't exactly what we wanted to go out and do today but I think there was good bits in there that we can look at going forward and bits we need to get better at as well. 

"It's going to be a long season so it's about us picking ourselves up after games like today and making sure that we correct things."

"I think there were chances for us to win the game," the former Aberdeen midfielder continued.

"They had their chances as well but it's just about us being more ruthless in both boxes and that's something we will work on."

(Image: PA)