The Scottish FA have released the VAR audio from Celtic’s controversial penalty decision against Motherwell, giving fans a full look at the discussion that led to the game-changing call.
The incident, which occurred during Celtic’s 3–1 victory at Celtic Park, sparked huge debate among supporters and pundits alike. Many initially believed referee John Beaton had made the correct call when he waved play on, only for VAR to intervene moments later.
Now, the newly released audio has revealed exactly why the decision was overturned.
What happened during the incident
The flashpoint came when a corner was swung into the Motherwell penalty area. Celtic forward Daizen Maeda was battling for position at the back post when he went to ground under pressure from Motherwell defender Emmanuel Longelo.
Referee John Beaton initially awarded a free-kick to Motherwell, appearing to believe the Celtic attacker had committed the foul.
However, VAR official Kevin Clancy quickly stepped in. During the audio, the conversation went as follows:
Kevin Clancy (VAR): “John, you need to check the holding at the back post. I think there’s contact on Maeda.”
John Beaton (Referee): “Do I need to go to the monitor?”
Clancy: “Yes, pitchside review. Look at the arms. It’s preventing him from attacking the ball properly.”
Beaton at the monitor: “Right, I see the arms. He’s wrapped around him from behind. Penalty confirmed, red card applies for denying a goalscoring opportunity.”
The key detail VAR focused on
The VAR team’s attention was drawn to Longelo’s arms around Maeda as the ball arrived. While the fall itself sparked debate, officials were primarily concerned with whether the defender had illegally restricted Maeda’s movement.
As Clancy explained: “The holding has to really impact his movement. Does it stop him getting off the ground? Players hold all the time, but if it impacts the player, it will be a penalty.”
Once Beaton watched the footage on the pitchside monitor, he quickly reversed his original decision.
Why the red card was also shown
The review did not only result in a penalty for Celtic. Officials also judged that Longelo’s foul had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity. Because the incident occurred inside the penalty area while Maeda was challenging for the ball, the defender was issued a red card.
Former Motherwell player Stephen Craigan reacted in the audio commentary: “Longelo has just wrapped his arms around Maeda from behind him. He was completely hauled to the ground. I can’t believe the referee didn’t see it in real time.”
Decision sparks reaction among fans
Despite the explanation provided by the VAR audio, the decision continues to divide opinion among supporters. Some fans believe the holding clearly prevented Maeda from challenging for the ball, while others feel the contact was minimal and that such incidents occur regularly inside the penalty area without punishment.
Ex-Celtic goalkeeper Peter Grant added: “That simply has to be a penalty. There’s no way they can’t give that.”
The release of the audio has therefore only added fuel to the debate surrounding VAR decisions in Scottish football.
Turning point in Celtic’s win
Celtic converted the resulting penalty and went on to secure a 3–1 victory over Motherwell. With the title race heating up in the closing weeks of the season, the incident could prove to be a crucial moment in Celtic’s push for silverware.
Judging by the reaction online, however, the debate over that penalty decision is unlikely to disappear any time soon.