In the aftermath of the contentious Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers on March 16, 2025, VAR official Alan Muir has issued a comprehensive statement addressing the controversial decisions that have sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits alike. Central to the controversy were two pivotal moments: the disallowed goal by Daizen Maeda and the penalty appeal involving Jota.
Disallowed Goal Incident
In the 83rd minute, Celtic’s Daizen Maeda appeared to have scored an equalizer, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review led by Alan Muir. The decision was based on the ball allegedly being out of play during the buildup. Muir’s statement elaborated on this decision, emphasizing the limitations of the available technology:
“Upon reviewing the footage, the VAR team determined that the ball had crossed the touchline before being played back into the field. However, we acknowledge that the camera angles provided were not definitive. The absence of goal-line cameras at certain venues hampers our ability to make conclusive judgments in such scenarios.”
This acknowledgment aligns with ongoing discussions about the need for improved technological infrastructure in Scottish football to aid in accurate decision-making.
Jota Penalty Appeal
Another flashpoint occurred when Celtic winger Jota was brought down in the Rangers penalty area, leading to fervent appeals for a penalty. Referee Steven McLean waved play on, and VAR did not intervene. Addressing this incident, Muir stated:
“The on-field referee judged that the contact was incidental and did not warrant a penalty. After reviewing the available footage, the VAR team concurred with this assessment, finding no clear and obvious error in the referee’s decision.”
Reactions and Implications
Muir’s explanations have elicited varied reactions from the football community. Some supporters appreciate the transparency, while others remain skeptical, citing previous controversies involving Muir. Notably, in a prior incident, VAR audio revealed Muir’s decision-making process during a penalty appeal in a match between Celtic and Rangers, which was later criticized by referees’ chief Willie Collum as “unacceptable.”
The recent derby’s controversies have intensified calls for the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) to enhance VAR protocols and invest in better technology, such as goal-line cameras, to assist officials in making accurate decisions. As the SPFL continues its investigation into the match’s officiating, Muir’s statement serves as a focal point for discussions on improving the consistency and reliability of refereeing decisions in Scottish football.
The outcomes of these deliberations may lead to significant changes in how the game is officiated, aiming to restore trust among clubs, players, and fans.
