The fallout from Celtic’s win over Hibernian at Easter Road is still rumbling on, with former referee Des Roache heavily criticising the VAR decisions from the match.
The first major flashpoint came when Joe Newell’s equaliser was allowed to stand despite replays appearing to show the ball striking his arm before the finish. The check dragged on, but referee David Dickinson was never sent to the monitor and the goal stood.
Both moments caused major frustration among Celtic supporters during the game, especially with the title race still so tight.
Roache has now given his verdict on both incidents and did not hold back when discussing the use of VAR.
The former Category 1 referee believes both decisions were wrong and questioned how the system is currently being operated in Scotland.
Roache spoke in detail about what he saw from the Newell handball and the penalty claim involving Nygren.
He said: (Hotline Live),
“It’s a handball, it’s hit his t-shirt line and then it’s rolled down his arm and then it’s come off maybe just above his wrist.
I think the fact that Joe Newell looked a wee bit sheepish after he scored thinking what’s going to be given here, that’s handball. Yes, it’s hit his t-shirt line but it’s then continued down his arm and he’s then scored from it.
I know they’ve come out and said it’s not conclusive but that is as conclusive as anything there. That’s a handball, it should never have been a goal.
That’s a foul. And if it’s in the penalty area, which it was, it’s a penalty kick.
It’s got to be incumbent upon VAR to get the referee involved there.
I don’t think it did (check). Because as you said, there had been quite a lot happening the sort of minute or so before things were going on. But as soon as the ball is inside the penalty area, that’s the minute you need to have your red alert on. You’ve got to be aware of what’s going on.“
Newell himself admitted after the match he was unsure what VAR would decide because of the contact with his arm. The ball clearly changes direction before he finishes past Viljami Sinisalo.
The Nygren incident also looked straightforward on replay. Campbell leans into him with both hands while the ball is still in play inside the box.
What has annoyed many supporters most is the lack of on-field reviews. Dickinson was never sent across to the monitor for either incident despite the lengthy checks.
That is where Roache’s criticism lands hardest.
For many watching, it no longer feels like VAR is assisting referees. It feels like decisions are increasingly being taken away from them completely.
