In yet another fiery Scottish football controversy, former Rangers striker and Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd has left Celtic fans fuming with what many are calling one of his most biased and tone-deaf takes in recent memory.
The incident occurred during Hibernian’s clash with Celtic at Easter Road on Sunday. With the game delicately poised, Hibs midfielder Joe Newell poked home an equaliser deep into first-half stoppage time. Celtic players and fans immediately appealed for handball, claiming the ball had struck Newell’s arm (possibly twice) in the build-up.
VAR stepped in for a lengthy check, but the on-field decision to allow the goal was upheld.
Replays from certain angles appeared to show clear contact with the arm, sparking outrage among the Hoops faithful who felt they had been robbed once again by questionable officiating.
Boyd’s “Trust the Officials” Defence
While many pundits expressed surprise or doubt over the decision, Kris Boyd doubled down in defence of the officials. In his on-air analysis, he repeatedly stated:
“You’ve got to trust the officials.”
He acknowledged that from one particular angle “it looks like it brushes his arm,” but insisted the call was correct because it wasn’t a “clear and obvious error.” Boyd went further by suggesting the goal stood because the handball was “inconclusive,” even as other Sky Sports colleagues appeared gobsmacked by his stance.
The comments have exploded online, with Celtic supporters accusing Boyd of blatant bias and defending the “cheat” at all costs. Many fans pointed out the irony of a Rangers legend urging blind trust in officials — the same officials often accused by rival fans of favouring the Old Firm when it suits.
The Bigger Picture
This latest VAR drama comes at a crucial stage of the Scottish Premiership title race. Celtic were already frustrated after an early red card to Hibs’ Jamie McGrath, and the contentious equaliser added fuel to the fire. Despite the setback, Celtic fought back to win 2-1 thanks to a late strike from substitute Kelechi Iheanacho.
However, for many Hoops fans, the result feels hollow when the talking point remains another controversial refereeing decision. Boyd’s remarks have only poured petrol on the fire, with social media flooded with clips of his comments and accusations of “whataboutery” and one-eyed analysis.
Whether you agree with Boyd or not, one thing is clear: in Scottish football, nothing gets the blood boiling quite like a disputed goal and a partisan pundit. Celtic fans will undoubtedly be replaying this one for a while — and “trust the officials” might just become the latest sarcastic chant at Parkhead.