By Alan Hutton

21st Mar, 2023 | 3:29pm

Celtic news: Glasgow pundit backs controversial rule change as Carl Starfelt footage re-analysed

Alan Hutton has insisted referee Steven McLean was correct to award Hibernian a penalty against Celtic on Saturday (18 March).

But, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Rangers right-back insisted the communication of VAR decisions needs to be improved for fans in the stadium.

As shown on Sky Sports (18 March), Carl Starfelt appears to pull on the shirt of Hibs’ Paul Hanlon inside the Celtic penalty area during a Hibs corner.

Although McLean did not initially point to the spot, after instruction from VAR official Gavin Duncan to review the incident, the onfield referee awarded the spot kick.

Despite being 1-0 down at half time, Ange Postecoglou’s side went on to win the game 3-1 and maintain their nine point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

When asked if there is any way fans in the stadiums can be more informed of refereeing decisions, Hutton told Football Insider: “If the ref was mic’d up you could listen to what he saw.

“Starfelt quite clearly grabbed Hanlon’s shirt and it was obvious. But I understand that in the stadium, if you are sitting somewhere that you can’t see it then you do not know what is going on.

“They do not tend to show replays at stadiums in case the ref has got it wrong and the fans turn against them.

“I think there is room for improvement there if we can speed up the VAR. If you look at rugby, it takes a few seconds, they say what they have seen and move on.“

In other news, Celtic idol suggests ‘next Henrik Larsson’ will dazzle for Hoops in Champions League next season.