VAR has released the image showing the extremely close offside decision that ruled out Celtic’s opening goal against Rangers.

VAR image reveals razor-thin offside call denying Celtic early lead against Rangers

The VAR image showing the extremely tight offside decision that ruled out Celtic’s opening goal against Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final has now been released.

Martin O’Neill’s side appeared to have gone ahead after 19 minutes when Nasser Djiga’s clearance deflected off Nico Raskin and into the Rangers net. However, following a VAR review for a possible offside in the build-up, the goal was chalked off.

A quick free-kick played to Benjamin Nygren and then to Daizen Maeda was deemed offside by the narrowest of margins before the ball eventually rebounded in off Raskin.

The VAR image, displayed on Premier Sports, showed just how fine the call was — with pundit Michael Stewartsuggesting Maeda was only “a toenail” offside.

“I didn’t see any clear lines, but Djiga’s left boot looked onside to me,” Stewart added. “It’s another one of those — toenails offside. It’s incredibly tight.”

Celtic didn’t have to wait long to make their pressure count, though, as Johnny Kenny put them in front just six minutes later, rising highest from a corner to head past Jack Butland.

The winner of the semi-final will face St Mirren in next month’s Premier Sports Cup Final, scheduled for Sunday, December 14, with kick-off time yet to be confirmed.