VAR once again dominated the headlines after a succession of controversial decisions in Celtic’s 2-1 Premiership loss to Hibs at Parkhead yesterday.
Two of the main talking points were Auston Trusty’s red card and the no-penalty judgement call after Liam Scales’ shirt was clearly pulled by opponent Jack Iredale with the Republic of Ireland international attempting to struggle clear as a right-wing corner-kick dropped into the box.
Referee Matthew MacDermid ignored the appeals and Grant Irvine, in the VAR control room, also dismissed the claims after a quickfire check.
However, there was ANOTHER shout for a stonewall spot-kick that went unnoticed in the first-half.
CLEAR VIEW…referee Matthew MacDermid watches as Kieran Tierney whips a ball towards Tomas Cvancara with Hibs defender Rocky Bashira in close attendance.
GETTING TO GRIPS…Bashira clearly holds Cvancara.
CRASH-LANDING…the Celtic striker and the Hibs defender hit the deck – and neither the referee nor VAR decide to have a second look at the flashpoint incident.
With the scoreline still blank, Kieran Tierney managed to stab a low cross from the left to on-loan striker Tomas Cvancara eight yards from goal.
The towering frontman was clearly held by Rocky Bashira who had two arms around the Czech Republic star’s chest.
The match official had a clear view of the incident – as images clearly prove – but, remarkably, failed to react.
Just as preposterously, Irvine did not take any action whatsoever.
Of course, the man in front of the screens was a lot more vigilant and eagle-eyed when Trusty tussled with Jamie McGrath that led to the USA defender’s second red card of the season.
He was also dismissed in the 2-2 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle last month following another controversial VAR intervention.
But that’s another story.
TRUSTY SEES RED AS HOOPS COLLAPSE
LOOKING FOR A PERFECT GIFT FOR ST.PATRICK’S DAY? Celtic Confidential is the stunning new book that brings the exclusive inside stories behind the headlines. Alex Gordon’s sixteenth Celtic book is available NOW. Order a copy and get £5 OFF the cover price of £25. All is revealed in a sensational new publication. Just click SHOP HERE and your book will be on its way. Happy St Patrick’s Day!
