NafisaCeltic have found themselves at the centre of another fierce VAR controversy after a disputed decision during their 2-2 draw with Dundee United sparked fresh questions over the officiating in the Scottish Premiership.
Martin O’Neill’s side were fortunate to avoid defeat after fighting back to claim a point at Celtic Park, but the biggest talking point came when young defender Colby Donovan escaped a potential red card following a heavy challenge on Dundee United goalscorer Zac Sapsford.
Referee Steven McLean initially showed Donovan a yellow card, and despite a VAR review, the decision was allowed to stand. The incident has since attracted contrasting verdicts from former Celtic figures, with one suggesting the challenge was late and high, while another admitted the youngster had enjoyed a slice of luck.
The controversy will inevitably revive the wider debate surrounding contentious refereeing decisions in Scottish football, particularly after Rangers boss Derek McInnes previously voiced his anger over a disputed Celtic penalty that had a major impact on last season’s title race.
However, while the latest incident provides ammunition for those questioning the consistency of officiating, the comments from the former Celtic defender do not establish that the referee deliberately favoured the Hoops.
Celtic escape red card controversy against Dundee United
Celtic endured a frustrating evening against Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United side, dropping two points despite eventually recovering to secure a 2-2 draw.
Camilo Duran initially opened the scoring for the hosts, but United responded when Zac Sapsford headed home the equaliser. The visitors then turned the contest around, with Neil Farrugia finding the net after Liam Scales was unable to clear the effort off the line.
As Celtic struggled to regain control, Donovan became the centre of attention after launching into a heavy challenge on Sapsford.
The 20-year-old right-back was booked by McLean, but the tackle immediately raised questions about whether the punishment should have been more severe.
VAR official Chris Graham and his team reviewed the incident before allowing the referee’s original decision to stand.
That meant Donovan remained on the pitch, avoiding a dismissal that could have made Celtic’s attempt to rescue the game considerably more difficult.
Scales eventually scored the equaliser, allowing O’Neill’s men to escape with a point and maintain their four-point advantage at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Nevertheless, the decision to keep Donovan on the field has become a major talking point, with contrasting assessments emerging from former Celtic players.
Celtic favourite admits Donovan had ‘a bit of luck’
Former Parkhead defender Peter Grant believes the VAR replay helped explain why the referee was right to stick with his original decision, although he acknowledged that Donovan had enjoyed some good fortune.
Speaking to Celtic TV, Grant said: “His legs went through his legs. When I saw it, I was concerned – but the replay shows that he has got a bit of luck. Fair play to the referee, he made the right call.”
Grant’s assessment provides a fresh twist to the debate because, despite backing the officials, he openly admitted that Donovan had been lucky.
Those comments could prove particularly frustrating for Dundee United supporters, who may feel the challenge deserved greater punishment after seeing their goalscorer go down under the tackle.
However, Grant stopped short of accusing the referee of favouring Celtic. His verdict was that the replay justified the decision to retain the yellow card, rather than upgrade it to a red.
That distinction is important, even as his admission about Donovan’s luck adds fuel to the controversy.
Pat Bonner raises further questions over the decision
Celtic legend Pat Bonner offered a more critical assessment of the challenge, expressing concern over its timing and height.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound, Bonner said: “I think it’s a big moment. I am glad the player is up and walking about, you don’t want to see anybody getting injured. That looked like he was late, and it looked high for me.”
Bonner’s comments highlight why the incident has attracted such scrutiny. While Grant was satisfied with the referee’s final decision, Bonner’s assessment suggested that the nature of the tackle warranted serious consideration.
The two former Celtic figures therefore offered different perspectives on the same flashpoint, leaving supporters to debate whether Donovan should have been sent off.
Had a red card been issued, Celtic would have faced a potentially decisive disadvantage during a match in which they were already struggling to contain their opponents.
Instead, the booking stood, and the hosts eventually rescued a draw.
Derek McInnes’ refereeing complaints return to the spotlight
The latest controversy also brings renewed attention to McInnes’ previous complaints about officiating during the title race.
The Rangers manager was heavily criticised and sanctioned after his furious reaction to the controversial penalty awarded to Celtic against Motherwell last season. McInnes described that decision as “disgusting” and argued that contentious calls had gone against Hearts during their pursuit of the title.
He later maintained that Hearts had suffered a “real injustice”, insisting that a handful of disputed decisions had contributed to their failure to win the championship.
Celtic’s escape from a potential red-card decision against Dundee United will inevitably invite comparisons from those who believe Scottish football’s biggest decisions deserve greater consistency.
However, the Donovan incident and the Motherwell penalty are separate cases, and Grant’s admission that the youngster had some luck does not prove McInnes was right about referees favouring Celtic.
What it does demonstrate is how quickly another controversial decision can reignite the debate surrounding officiating in Scotland.
For O’Neill, the immediate concern will be Celtic’s performance and the points dropped at home. His side remain four points clear at the top, but the draw has left supporters discussing a contentious VAR call rather than celebrating a convincing result.
And with Bonner questioning the height of Donovan’s challenge and Grant admitting the defender had enjoyed a slice of luck, the debate over whether Celtic escaped a costly red card is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
Nafisa
