NafisaVAR official Don Robertson will not be involved in the next two rounds of Scottish Premiership fixtures following the major controversy that came out of Celtic’s clash with Hibernian at Easter Road last weekend?
The experienced official had been on VAR duty during a match that has since become one of the most talked about fixtures of the season, with two key decisions going against Martin O’Neill’s side at a crucial stage in the title race.
The first major flashpoint came when Hibs midfielder Joe Newell saw his equaliser stand despite strong replays suggesting the ball had struck his arm in the build-up before he finished the move. The VAR review went on for several moments, but referee David Dickinson was never instructed to go to the pitchside monitor, and the goal was ultimately awarded.
Moments later, Celtic were left frustrated again when Benjamin Nygren appeared to be pushed in the back inside the penalty area by Josh Campbell as he attempted to keep the ball alive near the byline. Once again, VAR opted not to intervene, and play was allowed to continue.
Both incidents sparked immediate debate inside Easter Road and beyond, with Celtic supporters expressing frustration at what they felt were decisive calls going against their side at a key point in the season.
That frustration has only grown in the days since.
Former referees have now weighed in on the incidents, with several agreeing that Celtic were unfortunate not to receive more favourable decisions. Ex Category 1 official Des Roache was particularly firm in his assessment, insisting the Newell incident should not have stood.
“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.”
He also felt Celtic had a strong case for a penalty in the Nygren incident.
“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.”
Across media analysis shows and referee discussion segments, the consensus has largely echoed similar views, with several ex officials and pundits suggesting both key moments were missed by VAR.
That is where Don Robertson’s situation has attracted attention.
The VAR official is not scheduled to take charge of any Premiership VAR duties in the immediate next round of fixtures, which initially led to widespread claims online that he had been “banned” from officiating duties following the Easter Road controversy.
However, that is not the case.
The Scottish Professional Football League has not issued any disciplinary suspension, and Robertson has not been formally sanctioned. In fact, the governing body has backed the on field outcome of the Newell equaliser, effectively standing by the VAR decision made during the match.
While that technically clears him of any official wrongdoing, it has done little to quieten the debate.
Given the number of former referees and analysis panels who have since stated that a clear handball was missed, many feel the incident warranted stronger scrutiny, especially given its potential impact at a pivotal moment in the match.
At the time of the equaliser, Hibernian were already reduced to ten men, a factor that arguably altered the balance of the game. Celtic, already in a dominant territorial position, were able to capitalise later on and eventually secure victory against a depleted Hibs side, even without their most fluent performance.
Still, questions remain over consistency and VAR accountability.
While Robertson will continue in his role moving forward, the controversy at Easter Road is likely to remain a talking point as the title race intensifies and every decision comes under increasing scrutiny.
Nafisa
