Exclusive: VAR miss ‘guilty’ man vs Celtic, possible wrong incident review
Celtic were right to be upset by the goal awarded to Kilmarnock during their Scottish Cup victory as a “guilty” man was overlooked, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that VAR may have even checked the wrong player when choosing to give the goal.
Brendan Rodgers’ side progressed to the fifth round of the competition with a 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock on Saturday (18 January).
However, Celtic were unhappy with the decision to award their opponents their goal, and Hackett believes they may have a case.
Celtic frustrations over Kilmarnock goal justified – Keith Hackett
As the match at Parkhead entered first-half stoppage time with the host leading 1-0, Kilmarnock found a way to equalise.
A cross from the left-hand side Fraser Murray deflected off the arm of Robbie Deas inside the Hoops penalty area.
That directed the ball into the path of Bobby Wales at the back post, where the in-demand striker fired home from close range, with the strike confirmed as good by VAR.
Rodgers’ side were far from happy that the goal was given, and Hackett believes they do have a case, even suggesting that VAR may not have checked Deas when looking for handball.
Speaking to Football Insider about the incident, the former referee said:
“I genuinely think that Celtic have a good case because the player in the middle has made his body shape, his silhouette larger, the ball has struck his arm, it’s deflected off.
“I wonder if VAR actually looked at the right incident. I wonder if they were looking at the guy who scored the goal rather than actually the handball in the build-up.
“But that player’s guilty of handball. I think he’s clearly made his body shape, by stretching his arm forward, he knows what he’s doing and it’s come off his arm and to his colleague.
“So for me I think the goal should have been ruled out I think Celtic have got a good case, it was handball and I’m surprised that VAR didn’t clarify that point.”
Daizen Maeda’s strike 20 minutes from time would eventually secure the win for Rodgers’ side, ensuring that controversial goal did not prove costly for them.
Celtic have previously been on the right end of some contentious calls in the cups this season, but will hope to avoid a repeat of this incident going forward in their pursuit of silverware.
For now though, their focus will be on their crucial Champions League clash with Swiss side Young Boys on Wednesday night (22 January).
In other news, Celtic have been told what they must do to sign Louie Barry from Aston Villa.
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