Exclusive: Mitov penalty save as Aberdeen beat Celtic exposed VAR negative
Dimitar Mitov’s penalty save against Celtic in Aberdeen’s Scottish Cup triumph highlighted the “negative side” of VAR, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the technology had a negative impact on the celebrations for Aberdeen’s players, but recent games involving Rangers and Livingston had proven the need for VAR and goal-line technology.
Celtic went into the Scottish Cup final with aspirations of completing a domestic treble.
The Hoops had not lost in the final of the competition since 2002, while the Dons were hoping to win their first title since 1990.
Pyrotechnic flares caused a delay in the match, before the Bhoys took the lead through an Alfie Dorrington own-goal.
But having returned from injury to start for Celtic, Kasper Schmeichel bundled the ball into his own net, and following a nervy 30 minutes of extra-time, the game headed for a penalty shootout.
Aberdeen penalty celebrations v Celtic spoiled by VAR
Celtic dispatched of Aberdeen 5-1 just 10 days before the Scottish Cup final, but a change of shape from Dons boss Jimmy Thelin made them much more difficult to break down.
Callum McGregor stepped up to take the Hoops’ first penalty, but his weak effort was saved easily by Mitov.
After seven consecutive successful penalties from either side, the Bulgarian shot-stopper became an Aberdeen hero by saving Alistair Johnston’s tame effort.
But rather than sprint of in celebration, Mitov signalled to his teammates to wait, sensing that VAR may intervene in the moment.
After receiving confirmation from the referee that there would be no such intervention, the goalkeeper went wild.
Keith Hackett analyses impact of VAR on special moments
Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, former PGMOL chief Hackett explained why, even though it had spoiled Aberdeen’s celebrations, VAR and goal-line technology were still necessities.
He said: “I think it shows the negative side of the impact of VAR. We’ve had in England recently two five-minute delays to judge whether an offside is the correct call, even though they’ve introduced the semi-automated offside system.
“I do think that VAR has had a negative impact on the goal celebration by players, it’s almost like you get a double-hit, but in this situation it’s taken a bit away from the game there’s no question.
“But then you look at scenarios where this weekend in Scotland, John Beaton was the referee in Livingston’s playoff game, where there’s a holding offence in the penalty area and it’s a very difficult one to detect until VAR intervenes and you look at the replay that the referees looked at, and then gives the penalty kick.
“Correct call and terrific use of the VAR, but against that, you’ve got VAR but they haven’t got goal-line technology.
“It was a week before you had Rangers, where the ball looked to be well over the line, and the goal was not given.
“I’m shocked that in a competition as big as the Scottish Premiership they haven’t got goal-line technology.”