GREG TAYLOR waited for over three years for his first Premiership goal for Celtic and had no thoughts of interference from VAR as he took off on his wild and long-overdue celebrations.
The Scotland international left-back, who had replaced a toiling Alexandro Bernabei in the 66th minute, netted his breakthrough goal 10 minutes later.
The titanic tussle, littered with mindboggling decisions by referee Nick Walsh and assistant Steven McLean, fronting up the new technology system, was balanced at 3-3 when the defender made his telling contribution.
A shot from Liel Abada was deflected across the six-yard box and Taylor threw himself at the ball at the far post to nudge a close-range effort wide of the grasping Craig Gordon.
TAYLOR-MADE…the defender slides in front of Michael Smith to turn Celtic’s winner past Craig Gordon.
The player who arrived from Kilmarnock in September 2019 took off in delight and delirium as the travelling support behind the goal went crazy with joy. His celebrations matched anything going on in the stand.
He was engulfed by his team-mates after claiming the strike that eventually ensured a 4-3 win on an afternoon when the champions went four points clear at the top.
Taylor exclaimed: “It was a great feeling and in that moment you don’t worry if the goal is going to be alright.
“Euphoria takes over your body.”
New technology had created chaos in the capital during the topsy-turvy encounter and Taylor said: “For some reason, you knew VAR was going to have a bearing.
THAT GRINNING FEELING…Greg Taylor is smiles better after hitting the points-clincher.
“It was typical it was going to have an effect and it did to some extent, but it did not have a bearing on the result because we managed to get the win.
“To be honest both of Hearts’ penalties were pens.”
Taylor, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “Equally, the handball could be one for us, but the ref intimated VAR said it was close to his body.
“What can you say? As we get used to the virtual ref more, hopefully, it will help the officials and will become a tool to improve the standard of our game. We want to play quick and exciting football and don’t want the disruption.
“But, equally, if there are going to be stoppages you hope they are for the right reason.”
A FIRST FOR MATCHWINNER TAYLOR ON A DAY OF VAR CONTROVERSY
