Willie Collum acknowledges that the Celtic VAR decision against Hibs was incorrect; however, the Hoops obtained a reprieve in another incident.

Willie Collum acknowledges that the Celtic VAR decision against Hibs was incorrect; however, the Hoops obtained a reprieve in another incident. Last month, Celtic were incensed when a goal was disallowed against Hibs at Easter Road.

Daizen Maeda scored a goal from a cross by Alistair Johnston, and referee Steven McLean initially awarded the goal as Celtic appeared to recover from a 2-0 deficit to 2-2. On the Scottish FA’s VAR Review program, Collum stated, “Let us consider the starting point.” The on-field decision serves as the starting point.

The assistant referee maintains the flag down on the pitch, and a goal is tallied. From the perspective of the auxiliary referee, the ball has not been removed from play. It is anticipated that the VAR and AVAR will participate in an inspection. If the ball is out of play, they must evaluate the situation using the cameras and available footage.

“You hear the VAR at one point suggest that it appears to have disengaged from a specific perspective, and then the AVAR correctly states, ‘I do not believe it is possible to make a definitive determination in that area.'” The VAR and AVAR both believe that this is evidence that the ball is out of play when an angle appears from the primary camera and a reaction is heard.

In that contest, Johnston was once again involved and successfully defeated Roland Idowu within the area. The VAR conducted their routine inspection, and no penalty kick was awarded. Celts subsequently secured a comfortable victory.

Collum, however, believed that the Hoops were able to escape with that one and that a penalty should have been assessed against the Canadian full-back. He stated, “This should have been a penalty.” I believe that there is a distinction between touching the object and playing it. It is a minimal brush on the ball; it is not reckless contact; it is not playing the ball.