VAR-The Season Of Dishonest Mistakes?
Morning,all.
JOBO has helpfully compiled a list of the worst VAR “errors” to go against us. Feel free to add to the list during future matches!
(Edit for clarification from JOBO-)
“Can I just clarify something, please.
With respect to Bobby, what I decided to keep a not of was not the VAR decisions that go against Celtic. But, more accurately, the VAR issues that arose in each game involving Celtic whether against us, whether in our favour (no laughing, please) or where we thought VAR might intervene but didn’t.”
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Good morning, friends. I had a a pre-prepared post reminding everyone about the POTY thing restarting but I’ll save that for a short while. Instead, given the nature of the lead article, here’s something I started compiling during the World Cup Break. If anyone remembers anything more clearly I’ll be happy to amend. I decided to only log VAR issues directly involving games that Celtic play in. I do take the view that when decisions go against teams at Ibrox it is up to THOSE TEAMS, not Celtic to shout out about them.
So, deep breath…..
VAR ISSUES – CELTIC DOMESTIC GAMES
OCTOBER 22ND 2022 – HEARTS 3 CELTIC 4
Referee denies Hearts a 1st half penalty but this is overturned by VAR. As I think a penalty was the correct decision, I have no qualms with this one.
A ball comes into the Hearts box with Giakoumakis grappling with a Hearts defender. Referee blows for a foul just as the ball reaches Ralston and ends up in the net. Goal disallowed. My understanding is that the ref blew too quickly, should have let play progress to the goal and then VAR May have called his attention to it.
Referee denies Celtic a 1st half penalty following a handball incident and no clear evidence that VAR became involved given that play continued pretty quickly. In my opinion it was a clear penalty to Celtic
In the 2nd half Hearts get a 2nd penalty. Hart saves, Hearts score on the rebound but the goal is then disallowed by VAR for players encroaching. The penalty is retaken and Hearts score. VAR applied correctly.
Abada scores Celtic’s 5th goal but linesman flags for offside. VAR pictures were inconclusive.
SUMMARY – CELTIC DENIED A PENALTY AND POSSIBLY 2 GOALS. OUTCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED.
OCTOBER 30TH 2022 – LIVINGSTON 0 CELTIC 3
With Celtic leading 2 nil, Jota crossed from the left with Livingston’s Andrew Shinnie handling the ball. Missed by Willie Collum in real time but asked to look again by the Var and penalty awarded. Giakoumakis missed the spot kick.
SUMMARY – CELTIC BENEFIT FROM VAR AND WERE THEN AWARDED A PENALTY WHICH WE DULY MISSED!
NOVEMBER 5TH 2022 – CELTIC 4 DUNDEE UNITED 2
Missed by everyone in real time with no claims by any Dundee Utd players VAR intervenes, referee checks screen and awards a penalty to Dundee Utd for handball against Bernabei’s elbow. Bernabei also is given a yellow card! Dundee Utd score.
In the first half there’s a dangerous high tackle on Giakoumakis. The referee takes no action but VAR checks for a possible red but declines. Play on with no further action!
SUMMARY – CELTIC WRONGLY PUNISHED WITH A PENALTY AND A YELLOW CARD. DUNDEE UNITED SHOULD HAVE BEEN REDUCED TO 10 MEN. OUTCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED.
NOVEMBER 9TH 2022 – MOTHERWELL 1 CELTIC 2
With Celtic leading 1-0, in the 2nd half Jota scores a wonderful goal which is then subject to a VAR check for offside. The goal is disallowed but no VAR pictures are shown until after the game and even then they were from the camera in Celtic’s defensive half! It was a close call that might have been correct but no conclusive evidence so what actual picture did VAR use to decide it was definitely offside?
There a dangerous potential leg breaking tackle on Starfelt and the referee decides that yellow is sufficient. VAR don’t upgrade to a red.
SUMMARY – CELTIC DENIED A POSSIBLY ONSIDE GOAL. MOTHERWELL SHOULD HAVE BEEN REDUCED TO 10 MEN. OUTCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED.
NOVEMBER 12TH 2022 – CELTIC 2 ROSS COUNTY 1
With the game goalless the referee awards Ross County a penalty for handball against Matt O’Riley. Matt’s arms were tucked in and the ball bounced up and off him. VAR looks at the decision but astonishingly upholds the referee’s decision. Ross County score the penalty.
SUMMARY – VAR SHOULD HAVE OVERTURNED THE REFEREE’S DECISION; COUNTY WOULDN’T HAVE SCORED. OUTCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED.
Still looking for Superbru predictions from Billy Bhoy13, Conanh25, Gutenberg, Wee McCaff, McCaff,Raplochbus, Pro Cieerto, Melvin Udall and BRTH
Back in the Irvine CSC !! Expecting a full house of CCB’s mob
BMCUWP in da house and ATOB daughter Dr A also expected!
COYBIG
And we’re back…
COYBIG!
Jobo, I assume you’re spreadsheet doesn’t have the capacity to record all the favourable decisions for Sevco? 🤔
I know it doesn’t count on VAR Watch,but the ref giving a free for that dive-RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM-is an example of what we are up against.
Sheep keeper gets lucky to clear the ball with his leg.
Never before seen a more one-sided game in all of my days.
.
forty five minutes of useless ball from Celtic. No penetration, too slow in releasing the ball. This is Aberdeen’s game to lose.
Even when, on the odd occasion the Dons come up the park, Celtic advance to just outside their penalty area and then wait until all the Dons are back before trying to progress the ball into the box.
On this evidence, Celtic could play all day and not score.
Change needed in the second half.
Rebus
Aberdeen have had five weeks to prepare for this one game so no surprise that they’re well drilled. Keep taking shots and we’ll get the break we deserve.
Folks,
This is NOT the main article,which is here.
https://sentinelcelts.com/2022/12/17/second-half-expectations/
The article you are posting on is a live rchive of VAR decisions which have gone against us since it’s introduction.
Trying to walk it in isn’t going to work
Maeda and Ralston not gelling
Need less tippy tappy and more straight line play and a shot would help!
Kyogo misses a sitter
Have we employed Ryan Christie as shooting coach?
Time for GG, need to change this before we get hit by a sucker punch.
Remember to vote in what turned out, fortunately, to be a VAR-free game!! SENCELPOTY@GMAIL.COM
Jobo
An obviously well researched article. Bravo.
Hail Hail.
Dire game of football up north, but a long anticipated three points safely secured.
Many Celts not at it today, in an overall ‘back from long break performance’ , where the final pass was always off, or unconverted. Calum MacGregor took 85 minutes of range finding before scoring a thoroughly merited winner. Captain installed, pushing Hatate forward but his touch was left elsewhere, so to O’Riley in midfield. Daizen does old fashioned inside left not wide right today or any other game.
So to the Ange game changing subs Abada Turnbull and James Forrest collectively tipped the balance against a team of cluggers every one of them hiding behind the ball. Football? but not as we know it. Made Celtic look more rusty than some of them probably were, Anthony picked a bad week to quit instensity with all the Josip talk, and GG may or may not want a better league, you have to admire his balls, if he does.
Team game, ( see the celebrations ) and the only team in town, won.
MOM Carl Starfelt
Can I just clarify something, please.
With respect to Bobby, what I decided to keep a not of was not the VAR decisions that go against Celtic. But, more accurately, the VAR issues that arose in each game involving Celtic whether against us, whether in our favour (no laughing, please) or where we thought VAR might intervene but didn’t.
To be honest, I’m not sure it’ll work as a separate thread but let’s see how it pans out. I’ll continue to just update my own Word document on a game by game basis. And, as luck would have it, there were absolutely no VAR related incidents in today’s game!
My own thought’s on last night’s VAR issues
DECEMBER 21ST 2022 – CELTIC 2 LIVINGSTON 1
In the 35th minute with Celtic leading 1 nil a shot from Reo Hatate is blocked by Nicky Devlins arm. Thew arm is right by his side but nevertheless makes his silhouette bigger, if only by 4 or 5 inches. Play is stopped whilst the Var reviews the incident but the decision remains as no penalty.
On 71 minutes, Celtic score to go 3-1 ahead but after a 3 or 4 minute stoppage the referee is asked by the Var to look at the monitor. The goal is ruled out for offside but everyone in the stadium is left debating the reason for that. 13 hours after the final whistle and I remain unsure on this one. Offsides are usually black or white decisions. It appears that the factor here is whether the Livingston defender INTENTIONALLY played the ball that ended up at Abada’s feet? I’ll revisit this record if a formal explanation is eventually given!
SUMMARY – I THINK THE 1ST HALF PENALTY CLAIM WOULD HAVE BEEN HARSH ON LIVINGSTON. AS FOR THE DISALLOWED GOAL, I HAVE NO PROBLEM IF ‘OFFSIDE’ WAS THE CORRECT DECISION. BUT NOBODY IN AUTHORITY HAS YET EXPLAINED THE THOUGHT PROCESS HERE. OUTCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED.
Jobo – The MIB excuse had been totted out to the SMSM.
It simply defies logic.
The goal should have stood.
They are making up rules as they go along.
What is most apparent now is this – Celtic are never going to be given the benefit of any doubt when these VAR decisions are being made – unless we are about four goals in front, maybe.
More blatant now the cheating is than it ever was.
HH. 🍀🤬
And they said we were Paranoid
Jobo Baldie @ 10:53 am,
Both the decisions you cite were interesting as in real time neither looked clear to me.
A penalty for the handball would have been harsh but that is where the rule is now, if we take it out of Scotland and look at the penalties awarded against us the Bernabeu or those in the world cup they can be harsh.
The way I now look at such incidents if the arm is in a “natural position” , does the arm/hand have material effect on the play of the ball. It seems a good rule of thumb
However as we know, rules of thumb are not what referees go on, it is, or at least should be, the laws of the game
Abada’s offside is a curious one, being in an offside position does not in itself make you offside
When a goal is scored it can only be chalked off due to an infringement
So Abada scores a goal, it is disallowed, so what is his infringement?
The linesman apparently seen nothing wrong with it or else he’d flag, the VAR saw no obvious infringement* so did not rule Abada offside, yet after an interminable debate (presumably neither willing to take responsibility, as no clear infringement was there) the referee decided to look at the monitor to make a decision, why?
I get it’s complex, the ball was sent careering forward by an attacker (Turnbull) with his back to play, launched hopefully into a dangerous area.
Abada was in an offside position when the ball was played – he then moved to an onside position presumably knowing he would be called offside if he played the ball without someone else touching it
He set himself up in an attacking position, onside, to take advantage of any “scraps” as good strikers who anticipate the play does.
The defender tried to header the ball clear but fluffed the header and the ball fell nicely for Abada who scored a very well taken goal.
Abada seeing the ball “come off the defender” thought he’d scored a perfectly good goal and the match officials couldn’t fault it until after several minutes of deliberation, the referee having going to the VAR monitor who presumably sees an infringement
So what was it? Why could the VAR not give it? Why did the linesman miss it?
It should be easy in the laws of the game to highlight the infringement, if they can’t it’s a goal.
The only conclusion one can reasonably come to was the VAR* and the referee in turn, were looking for reasons not to give the goal rather than the norm, which is to give the goal if no infringement occurred
The reason VAR was introduced was “to eliminate clear and obvious mistakes that can be missed by officials in real time”
The linesman didn’t give the offside, the referee did not give the offside in real time the VAR did not see any “clear and obvious” mistakes in the officials decision – therefore it is a goal
Hail Hail
Answers on a postcard as to how it was flagged offside to start with
https://twitter.com/Fitzy__07/status/1606646707349032961?s=20&t=l7Ri8v-6ebcJG93dNEW_cA
My own thoughts on Saturday’s VAR issues….
DECEMBER 24TH – CELTIC 4 ST JOHNSTONE 1
In the 4th minute Kyogo’s header was cleared off the line but there were claims it went over but no evidence as to whether VAR checked it or not. In the 17th minute Kyogo scores to put Celtic 2-0 up. As with all goals, the VAR checks for any possible infringements and after too long a wait the goal is confirmed. Similarly, when Kyogo scores his 2nd and Celtic’s 3rd on 40 minutes it is subject to another lengthy VAR check (possible offside) before being allowed. Despite the 3 lengthy VAR stoppages, only 1 minute added time for the first half!
In the 51st minute Hatate scores Celtic’s 4th goal but the linesman flags for offside. The VAR eventually overturns the decision after approximately 3 minutes and the goal stands. Pictures suggest that there were 4 (FOUR!) St Johnstone players playing Hatate onside so why the check took so long was a mystery. In the 67th minute St Johnstone score on the break but it is flagged offside by the linesman. Again, the VAR overturns the decision but only after too long a wait.
In the 93rd minute David Turnbull goes in with a high foot, injuring the St Johnstone goalkeeper. The referee issues a yellow card. The VAR suggests that the correct decision should have been a straight red card and asks the referee to have another look at the screen. The check again takes some time but we eventually learn that the yellow card is rescinded and a straight red card issued.
SUMMARY – 2 GOALS, 1 FOR EACH TEAM, WERE INCORRECTLY DISALLOWED BY THE ONFIELD OFFICIALS BUT CORRECTLY OVERTURNED BY VAR, SO BOTH TEAMS EQUALLY BENEFITTED THERE. ALL OTHER VAR INTERVENTIONS WERE CORRECT BUT SIMPLY TOOK FAR TOO LONG. THE ONLY DECISION THAT REMAINED IN DOUBT WAS KYOGO’S 5TH MINUTE HEADER WHICH REMAINS A MYSTERY. OUCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED.
My own thoughts on last night’s game away to Hibs……
DECEMBER 28TH 2022 – HIBS 0 CELTIC 4
On the 23rd minute Celtic players claim for handball in the box after a shot cannons off the Hibs defender. The referee indicates that the VAR is checking and after 15 seconds waves play on. Sky only show one replay that was inconclusive whilst the BBC Scotland highlights didn’t show or mention it at all. This one remains in the ‘not sure’ category.
On the 56th minute the referee awards Celtic a penalty after a clear hand ball. There’s a short delay whilst VAR checks for a possible offside but the penalty then stands.
On the 59th minute there’s another penalty claim from Celtic players following an edge of the box tackle on Maeda. The referee takes no action so mustn’t have thought it was a foul at all. The VAR takes all of 20 seconds to decide that no intervention is required. There are 2 possibilities here – (a) it was a fair tackle inside the box or (b) the tackle was outside the box. If it was (a) then VAR was far quicker than normal in coming to that decision! If it was (b) then VAR can’t intervene at all as it was outside the box. So another decision that might well have been correct but clarification would help.
On the 91st minute there’s a further penalty claim by Celtic for handball but the replay shows the hand tucked well in at the side so looks like the ref and VAR got this one right.
SUMMARY – BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF TRANSPARANCY IN EXPLAINING DECISIONS POST MATCH WE ARE LEFT WITH 2 NON-PENALTY DECISIONS THAT WERE QUESTIONABLE. NEITHER WAS CLEAR CUT BUT PERSONALLY I THINK THE 1ST HAND BALL WAS A PENALTY WHILST THE TACKLE ON MAEDA WAS NOT.
SO CELTIC DENIED A PENALTY BUT OUTCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED.
JOBO
“ OUTCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED.”
In that respect,the officials and their interpretation of VAR has not had any effect on Celtic since the system was introduced. But it isn’t for the want of trying!
So far,we have overcome all the obstacles that it has thrown up against us,but the concern is that it will not always be the case. And as we know,complaining after a defeat will simply be termed sour grapes,or the actions of a bad loser.
Now,I’m not known as a bad loser. When I lose,I shrug my shoulders,congratulate the winner,figure out how to win the next time. As long as the defeat is down to not being good enough against a superior opponent,that is. Different story when I genuinely feel aggrieved,and can prove it.
My own thought’s on yesterday’s game at Ibrox….
JANUARY 2ND RANGERS 2 CELTIC 2
In terms of involvement by the VAR these were all related to potential penalty incidents.
In the 51st minute Carl Starfelt slides in to block a likely cross by Sakala. There’s contact and the referee immediately awards a penalty. The replay shows that Sakala unintentionally plants his landing foot (his right foot) on top of Starfelt’s sliding left foot causing Sakala to essentially do the splits. Sakala contacted Starfelt, not the other way round. The VAR considers the incident but doesn’t ask the referee to reconsider the award. Rangers score the penalty.
On the 64th minute Celtic shoot and it clearly comes off Goldson’s hands or arms which are raised to protect his face. The TV replays show that Connor Goldson’s arm does connect with the ball, or at least it looks like that. But the VAR decides that there’s no need to ask the referee to have another look. I think the referee should have been asked to look at the pictures and make the decision.
On the 68th minute there’s another check for a potential Celtic penalty following 2 possible close-range handballs in quick succession. The referee delays the resultant corner whilst the VAR looks at both, but after 30 seconds waves play on. I don’t think that either of the claims were stonewall but TV pictures were brief and inconclusive.
SUMMARY – IN MY OPINION THE STARFELT/SAKALA INCIDENT WAS NOT A PENALTY AND THE REFEREE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ASKED TO LOOK AT THE PICTURES. SIMILARLY, THE 64TH MINUTE HAND BALL CLAIM SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED FURTHER BY THE REFEREE. NOW, THE REFEREE MIGHT WELL HAVE DECIDED THAT HIS ORIGINAL DECISIONS WERE CORRECT BUT AT LEAST WE WOULD HAVE SOME COMFORT THAT IT WAS MR BEATON WHO WAS TRULY REFEREEING THE GAME, AND NOT JUST BOWING TO HIS (VIDEO ASSISTANT’S OPINION.
CELTIC DREW THE GAME BUT ONE OF RANGERS’ GOALS CAME FROM A DEBATABLE PENALTY WHILST CELTIC SHOULD ALSO HAVE HAD A PENALTY. THEREFORE, I’D ARGUE THAT VAR DENIED CELTIC (AND BENEFITED RANGERS) 2 POINTS.
Andrew Smith backs up what you’ve stated Jobo:
“VAR hasn’t helped Postecoglou’s men
It is now becoming apparent that the subjective nature of so many decisions in football will mean VAR won’t strain the Scottish game of contentious calls. It was unfathomable for Willie Collum manning VAR for the derby not to consider that Connor Goldson slapping the ball with hands above his face wasn’t a penalty incident referee John Beaton should be called over to his pitchside monitor to take a look at. The handball rule is a mess, but there is no precedent for a penalty not being given when hands placed in this area make contact with the ball. Indeed, what reason beyond getting hands in the way of the ball – even if a natural defensive reaction, which the rules make no allowance for – could be given for this ‘unnatural’ position in terms of the body’s biomechanics?
Collum must also have been away for a rich tea and a cuppa when Beaton awarded Rangers a 52nd minute penalty after Carl Starfelt slid along the box to block as Fashion Sakala appeared to shape to cross. In real time, it seemed a clear penalty, and correct decision from Beaton, Starfelt appearing to have made contact with the striker. However, replays showed that it was actually his opponent who initiated the contact. Sakala planted his foot on Starfelt’s trailing leg to become unbalanced. The defender had not slid into him, crucially, but alongside him. VAR should have cleared that up and helped Beaton out. Instead, Ange Postecoglou’s men were left with yet more gripes about a system that has caused them only grief in the two months since it arrived in Scottish football.”
HH.🍀
Jan 7th 2023
Salah scores for Liverpool against Wolves with a goal that proves that VAR was used wrongly in Scotland to disadvantage Celtic.
Salah’s goal which VAR deemed legit, was scored in the exact same situation as Abada was in when he scored against Livingston which was denied by the VAR operator on December 21st 2022 – Celtic 2 Livingston 1.
My latest personal musings on VAR in relation to today’s home win against Kilmarnock –
JANUARY 7TH 2023 – CELTIC 2 KILMARNOCK 0
During the game it was clear that a few decisions were being checked by the VAR but there were no major hold ups and no major controversies.
In the first minute a Kilmarnock player went down under a pretty innocuous challenge from Starfelt. When the ball next went dead the ref delayed the restart for about 20 seconds before correctly waving play on.
There were 2 other very speculative handball claims, one for each side. In the 50th minute Carter Vickers tidied up a bouncing ball in the Celtic box. Although from my own vantage point in the Standing Section it looked dodgy, there were no claims for handball from the Kilmarnock players. And from the resultant breakaway Celtic scored their 2nd goal. Later on 2 Kilmarnock players got in each others way in their own box and I think the ball did come off a hand from close range. But a penalty for that would have been really harsh.
SUMMARY – THE OFFICIALS, INCLUDING THE VAR, GOT EVERY MAJOR DECISION RIGHT TODAY. OUTCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED BY VAR.
My personal thoughts from Saturday’s semi final…
JANUARY 14TH 2023 – CELTIC 2 KILMARNOCK 0
On the 50th minute Hatate scores to give Celtic what looked like a 2-0 lead. The linesman then flags for offside and after a short delay the VAR agrees and the goal is disallowed. For the original shot at goal Hatate was in an offside position. That shot from McGregor comes off the Killie defender into Hatate’s path making Hatate ‘active’ in the same phase of play. It looked to me as though the shot came off the Killie defender’s hand and could have been a penalty to Celtic. However, as the “is he offside” decision happens before the “is it a penalty” decision then it looks as though the correct outcome arose.
10 minutes later a fantastic move sees Kyogo slip in Maeda to fire into the net. The linesman doesn’t flag but an offside check by the VAR shows Kyogo coming back from an offside position and so the goal is disallowed. Marginal, yes, but the correct decision.
In stoppage time Kilmarnock have a penalty claim waved away by Willie Collum following a challenge from Giakoumakis. Play continues and we must assume that the VAR looked at the decision and felt there was no need to ask Willie to take another look. Personally, I was pleasantly surprised!
SUMMARY – THE 2 CELTIC GOALS THAT WERE DISALLOWEED WERE CORRECT DECISIONS. THE KILMARNOCK PENALTY CLAIM IN THE CLOSING MINUTES WAS DEBATABLE AND COULD HAVE BEEN A GAME CHANGER. ARGUABLY, KILMARNOCK WOULD HAVE EQUALISED FROM THE PENALTY SPOT (DOES JOE HART EVER SAVE PENALTIES?) BUT WHETHER THE EVENTUAL OUTCOME WOULD HAVE CHANGED IS OBVOUSLY UNKNOWN – ON PAPER, CELTIC WOULD HAVE BEEN THE STRONGER TEAM IN EXTRA TIME.
Jobo
Totally forgot about this thread.
I mostly agree with your opinions in yesterday’s game but if that was a Celtic player barged into from behind I would be looking for a penalty, I was very surprised the ref didn’t point to the spot.
We got off with one imo.
HH.
” It looked to me as though the shot came off the Killie defender’s hand and could have been a penalty to Celtic.”
It’s a penalty if the official’s are consistent, we have been penalised under the exact same circumstances
*THAT’S ALL FOLKS,!!*
Having almost lost the will to live in terms of VAR I’m personally drawing a line under these game by game reports. It was only ever my opinions anyway and so anyone else is free to take this forward from here.
The only decision overturned by VAR last night went in our favour when Kyogos 2nd goal was given – without VAR the offside flag would have seen it disallowed.
Last point, made often times before concerns the time taken on these. Why isn’t this being reflected in the added on time – 1 minute added in the first half following at least 2 lengthy stoppages?
Right, back to the main thread…..
Och, on reflection I might just do the briefest of posts for the next few games at least.
From now on only the briefest of summaries of decisions that were changed, altered or reconsidered by var. Instances where var became involved but the officials’ decision wasn’t changed aren’t mentioned –
JANUARY 18TH 2023 – CELTIC 4 ST MIRREN 0
Celtic’s 3rd goal was flagged for offside. Following a check VAR showed that Kyogo was onside and so the goal stood. Probably no effect on the outcome of the game.
Given that’s it’s being discussed in today’s leader and in the comments that followed, here’s my own summary of the 16 VAR games to date. For the first dozen my notes were fairly detailed but after that it’s just the briefest of summaries…
VAR ISSUES – CELTIC DOMESTIC GAMES
OCTOBER 22ND 2022 – HEARTS 3 CELTIC 4 REFEREE: NICK WALSH
Referee, Nick Walsh denies Hearts a 1st half penalty but this is overturned by VAR. As I think a penalty was the correct decision, I have no qualms with this one.
A ball comes into the Hearts box with Giakoumakis grappling with a Hearts defender. Referee blows for a foul just as the ball reaches Ralston and ends up in the net. Goal disallowed. My understanding is that the ref blew too quickly, should have let play progress to the goal and then VAR May have called his attention to it.
Referee denies Celtic a 1st half penalty following a handball incident and no clear evidence that VAR became involved given that play continued pretty quickly. In my opinion it was a clear penalty to Celtic
In the 2nd half Hearts get a 2nd penalty. Hart saves, Hearts score on the rebound but the goal is then disallowed by VAR for players encroaching. The penalty is retaken and Hearts score. VAR applied correctly.
Abada scores Celtic’s 5th goal but linesman flags for offside. VAR pictures were inconclusive.
SUMMARY – CELTIC DENIED A PENALTY AND POSSIBLY 2 GOALS. OUTCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED.
OCTOBER 30TH 2022 – LIVINGSTON 0 CELTIC 3 REFEREE: WILLIE COLLUM
With Celtic leading 2 nil, Jota crossed from the left with Livingston’s Andrew Shinnie handling the ball. Missed by Willie Collum in real time but asked to look again by the Var and penalty awarded. Giakoumakis missed the spot kick.
SUMMARY – CELTIC BENEFIT FROM VAR AND WERE THEN AWARDED A PENALTY WHICH WE DULY MISSED!
NOVEMBER 5TH 2022 – CELTIC 4 DUNDEE UNITED 2 REFEREE: DAVID DICKINSON
Missed by everyone in real time with no claims by any Dundee Utd players VAR intervenes, referee David Dickinson checks screen and awards a penalty to Dundee Utd for handball against Bernabei’s elbow. Bernabei also is given a yellow card! Dundee Utd score.
In the first half there’s a dangerous high tackle on Giakoumakis. The referee takes no action but VAR checks for a possible red but declines. Play on with no further action!
SUMMARY – CELTIC WRONGLY PUNISHED WITH A PENALTY AND A YELLOW CARD. DUNDEE UNITED SHOULD HAVE BEEN REDUCED TO 10 MEN. OUTCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED.
NOVEMBER 9TH 2022 – MOTHERWELL 1 CELTIC 2 REFEREE: WILLIE COLLUM
With Celtic leading 1-0, in the 2nd half Jota scores a wonderful goal which is then subject to a VAR check for offside. The goal is disallowed but no VAR pictures are shown until after the game and even then they were from the camera in Celtic’s defensive half! It was a close call that might have been correct but no conclusive evidence so what actual picture did VAR use to decide it was definitely offside?
There a dangerous potential leg breaking tackle on Starfelt and the referee, Willie Collum decides that yellow is sufficient. VAR don’t upgrade to a red.
SUMMARY – CELTIC DENIED A POSSIBLY ONSIDE GOAL. MOTHERWELL SHOULD HAVE BEEN REDUCED TO 10 MEN. OUTCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED.
NOVEMBER 12TH 2022 – CELTIC 2 ROSS COUNTY 1 REFEREE: DAVID MUNRO
With the game goalless the referee awards Ross County a penalty for handball against Matt O’Riley. Matt’s arms were tucked in and the ball bounced up and off him. VAR looks at the decision but astonishingly upholds the referee’s decision. Ross County score the penalty.
SUMMARY – VAR SHOULD HAVE OVERTURNED THE REFEREE’S DECISION; COUNTY WOULDN’T HAVE SCORED. OUTCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED.
DECEMBER 17TH 2022 – ABERDEEN 0 CELTIC 1 REFEREE: STEVEN McLEAN
No VAR issues.
DECEMBER 21ST 2022 – CELTIC 2 LIVINGSTON 1 REFEREE: EUAN ANDERSON
In the 35th minute with Celtic leading 1 nil a shot from Reo Hatate is blocked by Nicky Devlins arm. Thew arm is right by his side but nevertheless makes his silhouette bigger, if only by 4 or 5 inches. Play is stopped whilst the Var reviews the incident but the decision remains as no penalty.
On 71 minutes, Celtic score to go 3-1 ahead but after a 3 or 4 minute stoppage the referee is asked by the Var to look at the monitor. The goal is ruled out for offside but everyone in the stadium is left debating the reason for that. 13 hours after the final whistle and I remain unsure on this one. Offsides are usually black or white decisions. It appears that the factor here is whether the Livingston defender INTENTIONALLY played the ball that ended up at Abada’s feet? I’ll revisit this record if a formal explanation is eventually given!
SUMMARY – I THINK THE 1ST HALF PENALTY CLAIM WOULD HAVE BEEN HARSH ON LIVINGSTON. AS FOR THE DISALLOWED GOAL, I HAVE NO PROBLEM IF ‘OFFSIDE’ WAS THE CORRECT DECISION. BUT NOBODY IN AUTHORITY HAS YET EXPLAINED THE THOUGHT PROCESS HERE. OUTCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED.
DECEMBER 24TH – CELTIC 4 ST JOHNSTONE 1 REFEREE: KEVIN CLANCY
In the 4th minute Kyogo’s header was cleared off the line but there were claims it went over but no evidence as to whether VAR checked it or not.
In the 17th minute Kyogo scores to put Celtic 2-0 up. As with all goals, the VAR checks for any possible infringements and after too long a wait the goal is confirmed.
Similarly, when Kyogo scores his 2nd and Celtic’s 3rd on ?? minutes it is subject to another lengthy VAR check (possible offside) before being allowed.
Despite the 3 lengthy VAR stoppages, only 1 minute added time for the first half.
In the 51st minute Hatate scores Celtic’s 4th goal but the linesman flags for offside. The VAR eventually overturns the decision after approximately 3 minutes and the goal stands. Pictures suggest that there were 4 (FOUR!) St Johnstone players playing Hatate onside so why the check took so long was a mystery.
In the 67th minute St Johnstone score on the break but it is flagged offside by the linesman. Again, the VAR overturns the decision but only after too long a wait.
In the 93rd minute David Turnbull goes in with a high foot, injuring the St Johnstone goalkeeper. The referee issues a yellow card. The VAR suggests that the correct decision should have been a straight red card and asks the referee to have another look at the screen. The check again takes some time but we eventually learn that the yellow card is rescinded and a straight red card issues.
SUMMARY – 2 GOALS, 1 FOR EACH TEAM, WERE INCORRECTLY DISALLOWED BY THE ONFIELD OFFICIALS BUT CORRECTLY OVERTURNED BY VAR, SO BOTH TEAMS EQUALLY BENEFITTED THERE. ALL OTHER VAR INTERVENTIONS WERE CORRECT BUT SIMPLY TOOK FAR TOO LONG. THE ONLY DECISION THAT REMAINED IN DOUBT WAS KYOGO’S 5TH MINUTE HEADER WHICH REMAINS A MYSTERY. OUCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED.
DECEMBER 28TH 2022 – HIBS 0 CELTIC 4 REFEREE: ALAN MUIR
On the 23rd minute Celtic players claim for handball in the box after a shot cannons off the Hibs defender. The referee indicates that the VAR is checking and after 15 seconds waves play on. Sky only show one replay that was inconclusive whilst the BBC Scotland highlights didn’t show or mention it at all. This one remains in the ‘not sure’ category.
On the 56th minute the referee awards Celtic a penalty after a clear hand ball. There’s a short delay whilst VAR checks for a possible offside but the penalty then stands.
On the 59th minute there’s another penalty claim from Celtic players following an edge of the box tackle on Maeda. The referee takes no action so mustn’t have thought it was a foul at all. The VAR takes all of 20 seconds to decide that no intervention is required. There are 2 possibilities here – (a) it was a fair tackle inside the box or (b) the tackle was outside the box. If it was (a) then VAR was far quicker than normal in coming to that decision! If it was (b) then VAR can’t intervene at all as it was outside the box. So another decision that might well have been correct but clarification would help.
On the 91st minute there’s a further penalty claim by Celtic for handball but the replay shows the hand tucked well in at the side so looks like the ref and VAR got this one right.
SUMMARY – BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF TRANSPARANCY IN EXPLAINING DECISIONS POST MATCH WE ARE LEFT WITH 2 NON-PENALTY DECISIONS THAT WERE QUESTIONABLE. NEITHER WAS CLEAR CUT BUT PERSONALLY I THINK THE 1ST HAND BALL WAS A PENALTY WHILST THE TACKLE ON MAEDA WAS NOT.
SO CELTIC DENIED A PENALTY BUT OUTCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED.
JANUARY 2ND RANGERS 2 CELTIC 2 REFEREE: JOHN BEATON
In terms of involvement by the VAR these were all related to potential penalty incidents.
In the 51st minute Carl Starfelt slides in to block a likely cross by Sakala. There’s contact and the referee immediately awards a penalty. The replay shows that Sakala unintentionally plants his landing foot (his right foot) on top of Starfelt’s sliding left foot causing Sakala to essentially do the splits. Sakala contacted Starfelt, not the other way round. The VAR considers the incident but doesn’t ask the referee to reconsider the award. Rangers score the penalty.
On the 64th minute Celtic shoot and it clearly comes off Goldson’s hands or arms which are raised to protect his face. The TV replays show that Connor Goldson’s arm does connect with the ball, or at least it looks like that. But the VAR decides that there’s no need to ask the referee to have another look. I think the referee should have been asked to look at the pictures and make the decision.
On the 68th minute there’s another check for a potential Celtic penalty following 2 possible close-range handballs in quick succession. The referee delays the resultant corner whilst the VAR looks at both, but after 30 seconds waves play on. I don’t think that either of the claims were stonewall but TV pictures were brief and inconclusive.
SUMMARY – IN MY OPINION THE STARFELT/SAKALA INCIDENT WAS NOT A PENALTY AND THE REFEREE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ASKED TO LOOK AT THE PICTURES. SIMILARLY, THE 64TH MINUTE HAND BALL CLAIM SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED FURTHER BY THE REFEREE. NOW, THE REFEREE MIGHT WELL HAVE DECIDED THAT HIS ORIGINAL DECISIONS WERE CORRECT BUT AT LEAST WE WOULD HAVE SOME COMFORT THAT IT WAS MR BEATON WHO WAS TRULY REFEREEING THE GAME, AND NOT JUST BOWING TO HIS (VIDEO ASSISTANT’S OPINION.
CELTIC DREW THE GAME BUT ONE OF RANGERS’ GOALS CAME FROM A DEBATABLE PENALTY WHILST CELTIC SHOULD ALSO HAVE HAD A PENALTY. THEREFORE, I’D ARGUE THAT VAR DENIED CELTIC (AND BENEFITED RANGERS) 2 POINTS.
JANUARY 7TH 2023 – CELTIC 2 KILMARNOCK 0 REFEREE: NICK WALSH
During the game it was clear that a few decisions were being checked by the VAR but there were no major hold ups and no major controversies.
In the first minute a Kilmarnock player went down under a pretty innocuous challenge from Starfelt. When the ball next went dead the ref delayed the restart for about 20 seconds before correctly waving play on.
There were 2 other very speculative handball claims, one for each side. In the 50th minute Carter Vickers tidied up a bouncing ball in the Celtic box. Although from my own vantage point in the Standing Section it looked dodgy, there were no claims for handball from the Kilmarnock players. And from the resultant breakaway Celtic scored their 2nd goal. Later on 2 Kilmarnock players got in each others way in their own box and I think the ball did come off a hand from close range. But a penalty for that would have been really harsh.
SUMMARY – THE OFFICIALS, INCLUDING THE VAR, GOT EVERY DECISION RIGHT TODAY. OUTCOME OF THE MATCH UNAFFECTED BY VAR.
JANUARY 14TH 2023 – CELTIC 2 KILMARNOCK 0 REFEREE: WILLIE COLLUM
On the 50th minute Hatate scores to give Celtic what looked like a 2-0 lead. The linesman then flags for offside and after a short delay the VAR agrees and the goal is disallowed. For the original shot at goal Hatate was in an offside position. That shot from McGregor comes off the Killie defender into Hatate’s path making Hatate ‘active’ in the same phase of play. It looked to me as though the shot came off the Killie defender’s hand and could have been a penalty to Celtic. However, as the “is he offside” decision happens before the “is it a penalty” decision then it looks as though the correct outcome arose.
10 minutes later a fantastic move sees Kyogo slip in Maeda to fire into the net. The linesman doesn’t flag but an offside check by the VAR shows Kyogo coming back from an offside position and so the goal is disallowed. Marginal, yes, but the correct decision.
In stoppage time Kilmarnock have a penalty claim waved away by Willie Collum following a challenge from Giakoumakis. Play continues and we must assume that the VAR looked at the decision and felt there was no need to ask Willie to take another look. Personally, I was pleasantly surprised!
SUMMARY – THE 2 CELTIC GOALS THAT WERE DISALLOWEED WERE CORRECT DECISIONS. THE KILMARNOCK PENALTY CLAIM IN THE CLOSING MINUTES WAS DEBATABLE AND COULD HAVE BEEN A GAME CHANGER. ARGUABLY, KILMARNOCK WOULD HAVE EQUALISED FROM THE PENALTY SPOT (DOES JOE HART EVER SAVE PENALTIES?) BUT WHETHER THE EVENTUAL OUTCOME WOULD HAVE CHANGED IS OBVOUSLY UNKNOWN – ON PAPER, CELTIC WOULD HAVE BEEN THE STRONGER TEAM IN EXTRA TIME.
FROM NOW ON ONLY THE BRIEFEST OF SUMMARIES OF DECISIONS THAT WERE CHANGED, ALTERED OR RECONSIDERED BY VAR. INSTANCES WHERE VAR BECAME INVOLVED BUT THE OFFICIALS’ DECISION WASN’T CHANGED AREN’T MENTIONED –
JANUARY 18TH 2023 – CELTIC 4 ST MIRREN 0 REFEREE: STEVEN McLEAN
Celtic’s 3rd goal was flagged for offside. Following a check VAR showed that Kyogo was onside and so the goal stood. Probably no effect on the outcome of the game.
JANUARY 21ST 2023 – CELTIC 5 MORTON 0 REFEREE: KEVIN CLANCY
Celtic opened the scoring from a ridiculous penalty award following a ‘handball’ by Efe Ambrose. Missed in real time, the VAR asked the ref, Kevin Clancy to have a look and astonishingly he gave the penalty. Highly unlikely that it changed the outcome of the tie albeit that it allowed Celtic to break the deadlock in the 18th minute.
JANUARY 29TH 2023 – DUNDEE UTD 0 CELTIC 2 REFEREE: DON ROBERTSON
On 42 minutes the referee awards a penalty after Kyogo is clattered by the keeper. The VAR asks him to reconsider, and the referee changes his mind although what the ‘clear and obvious’ error was in anyone’s guess! On 54 minutes the referee misses a very obvious handball in the box and only after being alerted by VAR does he award Celtic the penalty. But he fails to produce a yellow card – which would have seen the defender sent off.
No effect on the destination of the 3 points but both the non-penalty and the non-yellow (red) card both helped keep the score down!
FEBRUARY 1ST 2023 – CELTIC 3 LIVINGSTON 0 REFEREE: NICK WALSH
Apart from taking an absolute age to do each of the ‘post goal’ checks there were no contentious issues in this game.
FEBRUARY 5TH – ST JOHNSTONE CELTIC REFEREE: DAVID DICKINSON
To be continued…..