Pundits split on O’Neill impact, VAR controversies and relegation battle outlook
Keith Jackson believes Martin O’Neill may not be chasing a miracle, but delivering the title would rank among football’s great fairytales. He stresses that success will depend on strong backing and unity from the Celtic hierarchy.
Michael Gannon agrees O’Neill can revive the title push but insists reinforcements are essential, arguing the current squad lacks enough quality to go all the way. Scott McDermott, however, questions the idea of a miracle at all, pointing out Celtic remain favourites due to their squad strength and expectations to win trophies.
On VAR decisions involving Rangers, Jackson felt intervention was unnecessary in ruling out Emmanuel Fernandez’s goal and criticised the referee for overturning his initial stance, while describing the penalty as clear-cut.
Gannon echoed that the goal should have stood, blaming poor goalkeeping, though he felt the penalty was soft but avoidable. McDermott considered the disallowed goal harsh but agreed the penalty decision was correct.
Scott Burns suggested the goalkeeper was fortunate and could have been stronger, noting Aberdeen supporters would argue the decision was technically correct.
Across the panel, there was further debate over a potential offside and red card incident, with Jackson and Burns questioning VAR’s consistency, while others felt the decision was justified if the offside lines were accurate. All agreed Craig Gordon’s late save was outstanding.
Turning to the relegation fight, Jackson believes Kilmarnock’s new leadership accepted a difficult task knowingly and may need the play-offs to survive. Gannon expects them to avoid automatic relegation but sees a tough road ahead.
McDermott is confident they will show enough resilience to finish no lower than 11th, while Burns feels the squad’s lack of quality could force them into the play-offs, though he expects them to overcome any Championship opponent.
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