Brendan Rodgers Criticizes VAR Controversy After Celtic vs. Hibernian Clash

• by Arlen Fitzpatrick
• 0 Comments

Controversial VAR Decision in Celtic vs. Hibernian Match

In a recent clash that saw Celtic take on Hibernian at Easter Road, the focus unexpectedly shifted from play on the field to the decisions made up in the VAR booth. Celtics manager Brendan Rodgers didn't hold back when expressing his frustration over a contentious VAR intervention that denied his side what he believed to be a legitimate goal.

The incident unfolded after Japanese forward Daizen Maeda initially seemed to have reignited hope for Celtic by scoring a crucial goal that would have pulled them back into the game in the 52nd minute. However, joy quickly turned to disappointment when the goal was disallowed. The decision came after VAR officials, led by Alan Muir, decided the ball had crossed the goal line before Alistair Johnston delivered the cross, pivotal to Maeda's strike.

Rodgers, visibly perturbed by the incident, questioned the substantiality of the evidence used to make such a vital call. According to Rodgers, referee Steven McLean conveyed to him that the overturn was labeled as a 'factual decision.' This assertion, Rodgers pointed out, was problematic given the lack of definitive camera angles to affirm whether or not the ball truly went out of play.

From an overhead perspective, the decision seemed more like an estimate rather than a confirmation, with Rodgers highlighting the necessity of having proper technology available to eliminate doubts in such critical situations. The manager felt this incident wasn't merely a hiccup but a crucial turning point that affected the entire flow and outcome of the match.

Focus on Consistency and Performance

Despite the VAR drama, Rodgers did not shy away from acknowledging Celtic's underwhelming first-half performance. He admitted that the team had its struggles that put them on the back foot, allowing Hibernian to gain an advantage early in the match. However, the contentious VAR call seemed to eclipse these initial missteps, seizing the narrative of the game's momentum.

The incident sparked a broader conversation about the consistency and reliability of VAR decisions, particularly in high-stakes matches. Rodgers urged for improvements in how these technologies are implemented and for fairness to be maintained to ensure the integrity of the match isn't compromised by avoidable errors.

As Celtic remains steadfast in their pursuit of the Scottish Premiership title with 11 games remaining, Rodgers emphasized the importance of resilience. Despite the setback, the focus remains on leading the table, but the need for ensuring equitable officiating continues to simmer—a sentiment likely echoed by fans and players alike.