Fresh attention has been drawn to the controversial Joe Newell handball goal in the Hibs vs Celtic clash after claims emerged about the conversation between the referee and VAR during the key incident at Easter Road.
The moment in question came late in the first half when Newell struck to level the game, despite immediate appeals from Celtic players who felt the goal should not have stood due to a suspected handball in the build-up.
Referee David Dickinson initially allowed the goal, before VAR Don Robertson reviewed the incident but ultimately backed the on-field decision.
What has intensified the debate is the Scottish FA’s official explanation for why the goal was not overturned. The governing body stated that there was “insufficient evidence of a clear and obvious handball” to intervene and reverse the referee’s original call.
That reasoning has now become the focal point of discussion among supporters, with fans questioning how the conclusion was reached given multiple angles appearing to show contact between the ball and Newell’s arm before he finished the move.
While full audio of the VAR exchange has not been officially released in detail, reports suggest the discussion centred around whether the contact met the threshold for intervention, with officials ultimately concluding it did not meet the “clear and obvious error” standard required to overturn the decision.
The SFA’s stance effectively confirmed that the on-field decision was supported due to a lack of definitive evidence, rather than a firm agreement that no handball occurred, which has only added further frustration among Celtic supporters.
Reaction online was swift, with many fans questioning the consistency of VAR decisions and calling for greater transparency in how key moments are judged in high stakes matches.
From Celtic’s perspective, the incident proved costly at the time, halting their momentum in a tightly contested match where every decision carried significant weight in the title race.
Despite the controversy, the goal stood, the result remained intact, and the debate over VAR’s application in Scottish football continues to grow louder with each major talking point.