CELTIC will demand SFA clarification on Filipe Jota’s goal which was controversially ruled out by VAR in the champions’ 2-1 win over Motherwell at Fir Park.
It is understood the Hoops hierarchy are unhappy at the angle displayed by new technology to wipe out the Portuguese star’s outstanding strike which would have given the visitors a two-goal advantage early in the second-half of the midweek match.
Jota was ruled to be offside when he raced onto a searing pass from Kyogo Furuhashi – but the image flashed on the TV screens showing the VAR lines came from the OTHER half of the field, as CQN reported yesterday.
Remarkably, the bizarre camera angle was used because a camera operator in a more suitable position MISSED the incident, according to a report.
OFFICIAL…VAR’s image of the offside decision that ruled out Filipe Jota’s goal against Motherwell.
UNOFFICIAL…BBC image is a bit clearer from the halfway line as Jota prepares to run onto Kyogo’s pass.
Alan Burrows, the Fir Park club’s chief executive, confirmed on social media that cameras on both 18-yard lines were operational.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are now seeking answers as to why there was no image from the Well half circulated via the broadcasting feed.
It is believed the camera in the correct half of the pitch – operated by broadcasters QTV – was NOT focusing on the play at that time – and, instead, was trained on the dug-out area.
It is not clear if the SFA have written to the broadcaster in question to make sure there is no repeat, but it is anticipated the Scottish football rulers will do so without delay.
The Parkhead club’s complaints, it is believed, are not focusing on the actual offside decision.
BEMUSED…Filipe Jota can hardly believe the VAR decision.
Instead, they want clarity for the reasons why the offside lines were not shown from a better vantage point. They are expected to write to the SFA looking for an explanation.
Chief executive Michael Nicholson previously contacted the governing body following the Hoops’ 4-3 win over Hearts at Tynecastle last month.
The title kings were baffled at the decision not to advise referee Nick Walsh to check a potential handball by defender Michael Smith. It was blatant as he prevented a James Forrest pass reaching its intended target, but the match official, in an excellent position, waved play on and it took VAR operator Steven McLean a mere 28 SECONDS viewing from several angles to dismiss any claims for a spot-kick.
Well supremo Burrows took to social media to say: “We facilitate the Scottish FA in placing them where they feel is most appropriate.
“There were a few site visits by SFA and Hawkeye and 18-yard positions were selected in both halves.
“We even got one upgraded (at our expense). Both were in operation last night.”
LOOKING GOOD…Filipe Jota’s clipped effort leaves Well keeper Liam Kelly stranded as it sails unerringly towards the net. VAR didn’t think it looked that good, alas.
Apparently, six cameras were in operation, but a report in the Daily Mail stated stated the embarrassing missed footage which would have cleared up the mystery of the no-goal decision was down to “human error” and that the “QTV camera operator on the 18-yard line in the Motherwell end mistakenly failed to record the incident, resulting in a less-clear angle being shown instead.”
Match official Willie Collum’s standside assistant flagged Jota offside as he chipped in a delightful effort.
However, because of a massive blunder which could have proved so costly in Celtic’s quest to retain their championship, we will never see from which vantage point he made that decision.
VAR (WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?): WHOLE JOTA QUESTIONS
