The fallout from the controversial moment at Easter Road has taken another twist after the Scottish FA stepped in to explain why Joe Newell’s equaliser for Hibernian against Celtic was allowed to stand.
Newell’s goal, which arrived in first half stoppage time from a corner, immediately sparked debate.
Replays appeared to show the ball making contact with his arm before he finished, prompting strong appeals from Celtic players and staff.
Referee David Dickinson consulted with VAR official Don Robertson, but after a review, the original decision remained unchanged.
The explanation from the SFA did little to calm the situation.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the governing body stated there was “insufficient evidence of a handball to overturn the on-field decision.”
That reasoning has only added fuel to the fire.
“The SFA statement just showed they have nothing to back the VAR with but don’t want to admit they are wrong”
“Most nonsense reason to award the goal”
“Their reason confirms that it’s clearly a robbery against Celtic”
The incident had already divided opinion in the studio, where James McFadden and Kris Boyd debated whether the footage provided a clear enough angle to overturn the decision.
Celtic boss Martin O’Neill was also asked about the moment after the match, but admitted he had not had a proper chance to review it.
He said: “I haven’t seen it again.
“We have a wee monitor at the side, the boys thought it might have been at that stage, but it is what it is.”
The controversy around Newell’s goal was not the only major VAR call during the match. Earlier in the first half, Hibs were reduced to ten men after Jamie McGrath was sent off following a challenge on Alistair Johnston, a decision reached after a pitchside review.
Despite the drama, Celtic found a way through.
Daizen Maeda had opened the scoring before Newell’s equaliser, and it was substitute Kelechi Iheanacho who ultimately made the difference, coming off the bench to secure a crucial winner for the visitors.
The result ensured a valuable three points for Celtic on the road, keeping them firmly in the title race.
It also leaves the debate around VAR very much alive, with the SFA’s explanation unlikely to be the final word on an incident that continues to split opinion across Scottish football.