Yesterday at Perth Celtic turned in a shocking first half display but despite that they are entitled to the same interpretation of the Laws of the Game regardless of their form.
These two clips were available to Kevin Clancy and Dougie Potter in the VAR studio, there were no other games going on at that point so there were no distractions. Additionally they had the boost of additional angles provided by cameras from Sky Sports.
It is natural that the supporters eyes are drawn to the commotion around Joe Hart but with two VAR experts there are other aspects to be reviewed.
Matt O’Riley’s shirt is clearly pulled affecting his clearance which sent the ball goalwards rather than towards the halfway line.
The ball then rolls down the arm of a St Johnstone player as it slowly, almost comically drifts towards goal.
Fortunately Celtic turned it around from this Miscarriage of Justice but it did require an incredible stoppage time save from Joe Hart to deny the homeside an equaliser otherwise the gags of Nicholson and Lawwell could have rebounded spectacularly.
Hits his hand…..Kevin Clancy on VAR I’m sure they said. https://t.co/8ZHabAsC5P
— Eeramacaroonbar (@Eeramacaroonbar) December 3, 2023
💬 “Penalty Rangers”
Celtic chief Michael Nicholson’s cutting reply when quizzed on referees and VAR at AGMhttps://t.co/6vJYJ8p66Ihttps://t.co/6vJYJ8p66I
— Scottish Sun Sport (@scotsunsport) November 22, 2023