Brendan Rodgers and Celtic Director Reveal Linesman and Referee’s Explanation for Controversial Offside Decision Against Rangers
In the aftermath of Celtic’s 3-0 defeat to Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, manager Brendan Rodgers and a senior Celtic director have publicly addressed the controversial offside decision that left fans and players fuming. The decision, which disallowed what could have been a crucial goal for Celtic, has been a major talking point, with many questioning the officials’ judgment during a pivotal moment in the match.
The Controversial Incident
The incident occurred in the first half when Celtic’s winger, Luis Palma, appeared to have timed his run perfectly before slotting the ball past the Rangers goalkeeper. However, the assistant referee raised his flag for offside, and after a brief consultation, the referee upheld the decision.
Replays shown during the broadcast left many viewers unconvinced, with some angles suggesting that Palma might have been onside. Fans were left frustrated as the decision had a significant impact on the game’s momentum, with Celtic struggling to recover afterward.
What the Officials Told Celtic
Speaking in a post-match interview, Brendan Rodgers confirmed that he and a Celtic director approached the officials immediately after the match to seek clarity on the decision.
According to Rodgers, the linesman and referee explained that they were confident in their call based on their positioning and communication during the play. However, the officials acknowledged that without the use of VAR—which was unavailable during the match—they could not verify the decision with the precision modern technology offers.
The Celtic director added:
“The officials stated that the offside call was made based on their judgment in real-time, as they did not have access to the tools to review the situation. While we respect their professionalism, we remain deeply disappointed with the outcome.”
Rodgers’ Reaction
Brendan Rodgers expressed his frustration over the decision but maintained a diplomatic tone, emphasizing the need for consistent officiating standards in the Scottish Premiership.
“It’s a bitter pill to swallow, especially in a game of this magnitude. The linesman made his call, and the referee supported it, but when you look at the replays, there’s a strong argument that Luis was onside. These moments change games, and unfortunately, it didn’t go our way today.”
Rodgers also reiterated his call for the implementation of VAR in all Premiership fixtures, noting that such controversies could be avoided with technology in place.
Fan Outrage
The Celtic fanbase has reacted with anger and disbelief, taking to social media to voice their concerns about officiating in Scottish football. Many pointed out the lack of VAR as a glaring issue, arguing that decisions like this undermine the integrity of the league.
•“How can a league of this size not have VAR for every game? It’s 2025, not 2005!” one fan wrote on Twitter.
•“That decision ruined the game for us. We need accountability and better technology,” said another.
Rangers’ Perspective
Rangers manager Michael Beale downplayed the incident in his post-match comments, suggesting that officiating errors are part of the game.
“These decisions happen in football. Sometimes they go for you, sometimes against. We’ve had our fair share of tough calls this season too.”
The Bigger Issue: VAR in Scottish Football
This incident has reignited the debate over the use of VAR in Scottish Premiership matches. While VAR is available for some fixtures, inconsistencies in its implementation have led to widespread criticism. Many fans and analysts argue that the league must adopt VAR universally to ensure fairness and reduce controversy.
What’s Next for Celtic?
For Celtic, the focus must now shift back to football as they aim to bounce back from the defeat. However, Rodgers and the board are likely to push for discussions with the Scottish FA regarding officiating standards and the broader implementation of VAR.
Conclusion
The offside decision against Rangers will remain a sore point for Celtic and their supporters, who feel aggrieved by the lack of VAR and the potential injustice it caused. Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic board have handled the situation with professionalism but have made it clear that improvements are needed to prevent similar controversies in the future.
As Scottish football continues to evolve, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of technology in ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity of the game.
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