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Celtic VAR controversy has become a major talking point following Celtic’s dramatic 2 to 1 defeat to Hibernian in a tense Scottish Premiership encounter. The result has raised fresh debate over the role of video technology in football after key decisions shaped the outcome of the match.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill criticised match officials and video review decisions that he believes influenced the final result. The loss leaves Celtic facing a challenging path in the Scottish Premiership title race.
Match Summary and Decisive Late Goal
The match at Celtic Park saw Celtic fall behind early when Felix Passlack opened the scoring for Hibernian. Celtic responded strongly, with Benjamin Nygren equalising and restoring hope for the home side.
Celtic dominated possession and pushed for a winning goal, but the match turned dramatically in the final minutes. Kai Andrews scored in the 87th minute to secure victory for Hibernian, leaving Celtic players and supporters stunned.
The defeat places Celtic six points behind league leaders Heart of Midlothian, while also trailing Rangers, who played out a draw against Livingston.
Red Card Decision Fuels Celtic VAR Controversy
A major turning point in the match came when Celtic defender Auston Trusty was sent off after an incident with Hibernian midfielder Jamie McGrath during a corner kick.
Referee Matthew MacDermid initially intended to speak with both players, but video assistant referee Grant Irvine intervened and advised that the incident amounted to violent conduct. After reviewing the footage, the referee issued a red card, reducing Celtic to ten men for the final stages.
O’Neill acknowledged that the decision aligned with current rules but expressed concern about the consistency of video review decisions throughout the match.
Penalty Appeal Adds to Frustration
The Celtic VAR controversy intensified when Celtic were denied a penalty shortly after the dismissal. Defender Liam Scales appeared to be pulled down in the penalty area by Jack Iredale, but the referee chose not to review the incident following VAR consultation.
O’Neill questioned the decision, suggesting the contact warranted further examination. According to the official explanation, the hold was considered insufficient to justify a penalty. The decision left Celtic frustrated, particularly given the earlier intervention that resulted in Trusty’s dismissal.
Impact on Celtic Title Ambitions
The defeat marks a significant setback for Celtic’s domestic campaign. With a growing points gap behind league leaders, the club now faces increasing pressure in upcoming fixtures.
O’Neill described the situation as difficult but insisted the team would continue competing. He noted that strong possession and attacking play alone were not enough to secure victory, emphasising the importance of converting chances into goals.
Trusty is expected to miss Celtic’s next league fixture against Rangers at Ibrox Stadium, further complicating the team’s efforts to remain competitive in the title race.
Hibernian Reaction to Key Decisions
Hibernian manager David Gray praised his team’s performance and defended the officiating decisions. He described the victory as a complete team effort, highlighting his players’ defensive discipline and ability to withstand sustained pressure.
Gray supported the red card decision, stating that the level of contact justified disciplinary action. He also commented on the penalty appeal, describing the incident as a coming together between players and suggesting such decisions can depend on the referee’s initial call.
The result represents Hibernian’s first win at Celtic Park in 16 years and strengthens their position in the league standings, reducing the gap to Motherwell.
Ongoing Debate Over VAR in Scottish Football
The Celtic VAR controversy has renewed discussion about the consistency and application of video technology in Scottish football. While VAR aims to reduce errors and improve fairness, matches such as this continue to generate debate over interpretation and decision making.
As the season progresses, the outcome of this match may prove significant in shaping the Scottish Premiership title race. For Celtic, the challenge now lies in responding positively to the setback and maintaining momentum in the remaining fixtures.
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