Celtic fans have been left in shock and frustration after the Scottish Football Association (SFA) released a fresh statement defending the controversial decision that denied the Hoops a late equalizer in their 2-1 defeat to Hibernian at Easter Road.
The controversy erupted in the 83rd minute of the match when Celtic’s Daizen Maeda appeared to have scored a crucial goal to level the game. Alistair Johnston whipped in a cross from the right, which Maeda turned into the net, sparking celebrations among the Celtic players and fans. However, the goal was soon called into question after a VAR review, which ruled that the ball had gone out of play before Johnston’s cross.
The decision left Celtic furious, with manager Brendan Rodgers accusing the VAR official, Alan Muir, of “guessing” due to the lack of definitive camera angles.
SFA’s Response
In response to the growing criticism, the SFA released a statement explaining that the decision was based on footage from the 18-yard-line camera, which they claim showed that the ball had indeed crossed the byline before Johnston delivered his pass.
“The VAR intervention was correct based on the available footage, which indicated the ball was out of play before the cross was delivered,” the statement read. “The on-field decision was overturned in line with the current VAR protocols.”
However, the SFA’s explanation has done little to ease the anger among Celtic supporters, who believe the technology used was insufficient to make such a crucial call. Many fans and pundits have pointed out that the angles shown during the VAR review were inconclusive, and without goal-line technology for out-of-play decisions, the ruling should not have been made with absolute certainty.
Rodgers’ Furious Response
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers did not hold back in his post-match interview, slamming the decision and demanding accountability from the officials.
“This is the kind of decision that has massive consequences in a title race,” Rodgers said. “The linesman, who had the best view, didn’t flag for the ball being out. Yet, VAR intervenes without conclusive evidence. It’s just not acceptable.”
Rodgers’ frustration was shared by pundits, with former Celtic manager Neil Lennon and ex-player Chris Sutton both calling the ruling “a guess” rather than a fact-based decision.
“It’s impossible to say definitively whether the ball was out,” Lennon said. “And if there’s any doubt, the goal should have stood. That’s the problem with the way VAR is being used in Scotland right now.”
Fan Backlash and Calls for Change
Celtic supporters have taken to social media to voice their outrage, with many demanding a review of how VAR is used in the Scottish Premiership. Some fans have called for the introduction of goal-line technology for out-of-play decisions, similar to what is used in England’s Premier League.
“VAR is supposed to eliminate errors, not create more controversy,” one Celtic fan posted online. “If they can’t show a clear image of the ball being out, they shouldn’t be making these calls.”
The controversy has reignited the debate about the standard of refereeing in Scotland, with many questioning whether VAR officials have the right tools to make such game-changing decisions.
The Impact on the Title Race
Celtic’s defeat to Hibernian means they now face even greater pressure in the Scottish Premiership title race. With Rangers breathing down their necks, every dropped point could prove costly in the race for the championship.
Hibernian, on the other hand, celebrated their victory, which extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches and lifted them further up the league table. However, even their win was overshadowed by the VAR controversy.
What Happens Next?
The SFA’s statement may not be the end of the debate. Celtic are expected to push for further clarity on the matter, and there is growing pressure on Scottish football authorities to improve the way VAR is implemented.
This incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about refereeing consistency and technology in Scotland, and many believe changes are necessary to restore confidence in the game.
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