Michael Stewart points to modern game flaw amid Celtic F.C. red card debate involving Daizen Maeda

Michael Stewart slams VAR “micro-analysis” after Celtic F.C. red card debate involving Daizen Maeda

Michael Stewart has criticised the current state of officiating in Scottish football, claiming excessive VAR scrutiny is damaging the natural flow of the game.

His comments come after controversy surrounding Daizen Maeda during Celtic F.C.’s 3-1 win over Motherwell F.C., where some called for the forward to be sent off following a challenge on Ibrahim Said.

“It’s becoming a nonsense”

Stewart believes the growing tendency to analyse every physical interaction in slow motion has gone too far.

He argued that the incident involving Maeda was a routine piece of play, with the Celtic forward simply attempting to shield the ball rather than commit any act of violent conduct.

According to Stewart, labelling such moments as potential red-card offences highlights a deeper issue within the modern game.

Normal football being over-analysed

The former midfielder suggested that while a free-kick could have been awarded, the escalation to serious disciplinary debate was unnecessary.

He insisted that using slow-motion replays to dissect minor contact is distorting reality and leading to exaggerated interpretations of incidents that would otherwise go unnoticed.

For Stewart, the idea that Maeda’s use of his arm amounted to an elbow or dangerous play is a clear example of how the game is being over-policed.

Debate overshadowing Celtic victory

The flashpoint came during a tightly contested match at 1-1, before Emmanuel Longelo was sent off for a foul on Maeda inside the box.

Tomáš Čvančara converted the resulting penalty to give Celtic the lead, before Yang Hyun-jun sealed the win.

Despite the result, much of the post-match discussion centred on Maeda’s earlier challenge rather than Celtic’s performance.

 

Call for common sense

Stewart concluded by urging a return to what he described as “normal football,” warning that the current level of scrutiny risks alienating supporters.

He believes that allowing natural physical play to exist—without constant forensic analysis—would improve both the spectacle and the integrity of the sport.

For fans in the stands, Stewart argues, the game should be about moments, not microscopic reviews.