Former SFA referees have criticised the VAR decision in Celtic’s loss to Hibs, stating that it is “impossible.”

“Impossible” – Former SFA Referees Criticise VAR Decision in Celtic’s Loss to Hibs Due to the absence of goal-line technology,

two former Grade One referees have criticised VAR’s intervention in the disallowance of Daizen Maeda’s late equaliser against Hibernian, stating that the decision is “impossible” to verify.

Des Roache and Steve Conroy vented their dissatisfaction with the controversial ruling on Twitter, asserting that Alistair Johnston’s cross had exited the field of play prior to Maeda’s conversion. “It is impossible to determine whether the ball was still in play because we lack goal-line technology.”

They are unable to observe it plainly from their vantage point, which is why it is not evident and clear. Consequently, VAR should not have been involved. The decision has incited a significant debate, with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers querying the evidence that was employed to reverse the on-field decision.

The assistant referee did not initially signal for a goal kick, which further complicates the question of why VAR intervened in the absence of a conclusive angle. If the official had made a clear and evident error, and the ball was clearly out of play, with conclusive evidence to support that claim, there would be no issue with the decision. However, the evidence is not currently in the public domain.

The controversy is far from over, as the Scottish FA’s Key Match Incidents Panel is scheduled to review the incident on Friday and Willie Collum is expected to address it on the VAR Review Show. Celtic maintain a 13-point lead at the summit of the Premiership, despite the setback. They have the opportunity to rebound against Aberdeen at Parkhead on Tuesday night.