The match between Celtic and Motherwell was finely balanced at 1–1 when a key VAR intervention changed the course of the game at Celtic Park.
The BBC later revealed details of the discussion between the VAR team and referee John Beaton that led to Celtic being awarded a crucial penalty.
The incident occurred when a corner was delivered into the penalty area and Daizen Maeda became involved in a physical tussle with Emmanuel Longelo. As the Celtic forward attempted to attack the ball, he went to ground. Initially, Beaton dismissed the appeals and awarded a free-kick to Motherwell.
However, VAR official Kevin Clancy intervened and advised the referee to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.
After examining the footage, Beaton reversed his original decision and awarded a penalty to Celtic. Tomáš Čvančarastepped up to convert the spot-kick, while Longelo was also shown a red card for the foul. Celtic went on to secure a 3–1 victory.
Debate over the decision
During commentary on BBC Sportsound, former Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan expressed doubt about the call.
He suggested that Maeda may have gone down too easily, saying the contact did not appear forceful enough to cause the fall and that the forward might have been attempting to stoop and head the ball.
“It’s a big decision,” Craigan said, noting that the challenge did not initially look like a clear penalty.
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner offered a slightly different perspective, pointing out that once a defender allows an attacker to get inside position, they risk being penalised if they use their arms or body in the wrong way.
Commentator Liam McLeod also provided insight into the VAR communication that was being relayed during the broadcast, explaining that the officials were specifically examining potential holding in the challenge.
Craigan added that holding between players happens regularly during set pieces, but it becomes a foul if it significantly affects the attacker’s movement or prevents them from reaching the ball.
Officials backed after review
After the final whistle, former manager Ian McCall supported the referee’s final decision.
He argued that the replays clearly showed Longelo wrapping his arms around Maeda from behind, which he felt justified both the penalty and the dismissal.
According to McCall, the footage suggested Maeda had been pulled down decisively, and he was surprised the infringement had not been spotted by the referee in real time.
The VAR intervention ultimately proved decisive, helping Celtic turn a tight contest into a 3–1 win
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