Ex-Premier League referee: Celtic victims of major VAR blunder as controversial James Forrest footage emerges
Celtic deserved a penalty in their 4-3 win over Hearts on Saturday (22 October), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted VAR should have come in and reviewed the possible handball by Michael Smith.
James Forrest tried to play in Daizen Maeda but Smith stopped the ball with his arm.
Nick Walsh waved away Celtic’s appeals and VAR operator Steven McLean did not feel his colleague had made a clear and obvious error.
“We had what I consider to be a handball,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.
“Yes, the ball was close and I think what they have used is proximity to the ball and the actual handling of the ball. They are asking, is it deliberate? Did he make himself wider?
“I would have liked VAR to have come in on that. If he turns it down, fine, on the basis of what I’ve said.
“It looked like a handball to me. I think the player deliberately made himself wider.
“Is that clear and obvious? I think it borders on clear and obvious so, therefore, I’m surprised that VAR did not come in.
“The referee is in a great position and he’s said ‘No’. What VAR has got to say is ‘It that a clear and obvious error?’ I believe it was and the referee should have been able to review it.
“When we go to the screen that should not mean that automatically the VAR is correct. The referee can have another look on the screen then make his judgement. If he says ‘I don’t think it’s a penalty kick, I’m sticking with my deicsion’ then fine.
“I think the game has been left in doubt because VAR has not come in. They judged it as not a clear and obvious error, I think it is.”
In other news, Carl Starfelt is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after the latest from Celtic.