ANGE POSTECOGLOU looked on disbelievingly as VAR was introduced to Celtic against Hearts at Tynecasle this afternoon.
The new technology positively snarled at the champions who refused to succumb to a barrage of bewildering decisions to win 4-3 with goals from James Forrest, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Daizen Maeda and Greg Taylor.
Before the encounter, the Hoops boss admitted he hoped no-one would have to mention the Video Assisted Referee that was making its debut in Scottish football this weekend.
A bemused Postecoglou, reflecting on a trip to Edinburgh that saw the home side awarded two penalty-kicks, a spot-kick retake after a save from Joe Hart and the visitors denied a penalty following a clear handball, bemoaned the VAR “circus”.
Nick Walsh was the man in charge of the action with his colleague Steven McLean leading the technology team.
OH, NO…Ange Postecoglou cannot believe a decision after a clear handball in the penaty box by Michael Smith.
The Greek-Australian gaffer said: “Cracking game, what do I know? VAR, starring role, three points.
“Credit to the lads, it’s not easy coming here, their crowd is up and about, the conditions the way the are, it’s always going to be a 50/50 game and with the whole circus around VAR it becomes anything but the football.
“For us, within that context just to stick to try and play our football and finding a way to win is credit to the lads.
“As I said before the game, I would much prefer if it wasn’t involved at all, but I thought we had a clear-cut handball, but what do I know, mate?
“It’s a lot of standing about, a lot of theatre, like I said I just wish they’d get decisions early and sort of intervene when they have to. It is what it is, I’m probably on the outside on this one.”
Asked about his side’s belief and resolve, Postecoglou, speaking to Sky Sports, added: “Again? I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked about that since came here last year.
“When we need it it’s there Brilliant for Greg Taylor. He came on and gave us some energy. Obviously, it was an important time for us, great for him to get a goal.”
FIRST FOR MATCHWINNER TAYLOR ON A DAY OF VAR CONTROVERSY
