NafisaThe fallout from Celtic’s win over Hibernian at Easter Road has taken another twist, with fresh reaction around the VAR calls from that match sparking intense debate across Scotland ahead of the Old Firm Derby.
Attention has centred on two key moments that continue to dominate discussion.
The first came when Joe Newell’s equaliser was allowed to stand despite replays appearing to show the ball striking his arm before the finish. The review took time, but referee David Dickinson was not sent to the monitor and the goal was given.
Later in the match, Celtic felt they had a strong case for a penalty when Benjamin Nygren was pushed in the back by Josh Campbell as he tried to keep the ball alive near the byline. Play was waved on, and VAR again chose not to step in.
Both incidents caused frustration among Celtic supporters during the game, and that feeling has only grown in the days since.
Former referee Des Roache has now weighed in on the decisions, offering a critical assessment of how VAR was applied.
He said: (Hotline Live), “It’s a handball, it’s hit his t-shirt line and then it’s rolled down his arm and then it’s come off maybe just above his wrist.
“I think the fact that Joe Newell looked a wee bit sheepish after he scored thinking what’s going to be given here, that’s handball. Yes, it’s hit his t-shirt line but it’s then continued down his arm and he’s then scored from it.
“I know they’ve come out and said it’s not conclusive but that is as conclusive as anything there. That’s a handball, it should never have been a goal.
“That’s a foul. And if it’s in the penalty area, which it was, it’s a penalty kick.
“It’s got to be incumbent upon VAR to get the referee involved there.
“I don’t think it did (check). Because as you said, there had been quite a lot happening the sort of minute or so before things were going on. But as soon as the ball is inside the penalty area, that’s the minute you need to have your red alert on. You’ve got to be aware of what’s going on.“
Roache’s comments have quickly gained traction, with clips and quotes circulating widely as supporters revisit the key decisions.
Joe Newell himself admitted after the match that he was unsure what VAR would decide because of the contact with his arm, with the ball clearly changing direction before he finished past Viljami Sinisalo.
The Nygren incident has also been scrutinised heavily, with replays showing Campbell leaning into him with both hands while the ball remained in play inside the box.
A major talking point has been the absence of on-field reviews. Dickinson was not sent to the monitor for either incident, despite lengthy checks taking place.
That is where much of the criticism has been directed.
For many observers, it no longer feels like VAR is simply assisting referees. Instead, there is a growing perception that key decisions are being made away from the pitch, with officials having limited involvement in the final call.
With the Old Firm Derby looming, the controversy has added another layer of tension, ensuring that scrutiny on officiating and VAR will be higher than ever in the games ahead.
Nafisa
