Maeda's Second Celtic Goal Against Hibs: Was It Offside?

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Post on Feb 23, 2025

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Maeda's Controversial Second: Was Celtic's Star Striker Offside Against Hibs?

Glasgow, Scotland – Kyogo Furuhashi's brace stole the headlines, but Daizen Maeda's second goal in Celtic's 4-2 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road on [Date of Match - Insert Date Here] remains a point of contention. Replays suggest the Japanese international may have been marginally offside, sparking debate amongst fans and pundits alike. The incident, occurring in the [Time of Goal - Insert Time Here] minute, saw Maeda latch onto a [Type of Pass - e.g., through ball, deflected pass] from [Assisting Player's Name - Insert Name Here], slotting the ball past Hibs goalkeeper, [Hibs Goalkeeper's Name - Insert Name Here]. While the goal stood, the proximity to the offside line has left many questioning the accuracy of the linesman's decision.

The controversy centers on the positioning of Maeda at the moment the pass was played. Still images and video replays reveal a very tight call. While some angles suggest Maeda was level with the last defender, others indicate a possible fraction of a yard in an offside position. The margin is so slight that even VAR – which was in operation – didn't intervene. This raises questions about the precision of the technology and the subjective nature of offside decisions, particularly those made at such high speeds.

Former Hibs players and commentators have expressed their frustration. [Quote from a former Hibs player or commentator expressing their opinion on the offside call]. [Insert another quote from a different source, possibly a Celtic fan or pundit, offering a counterpoint].

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of implementing VAR effectively in football. Despite advancements in technology, judging offside remains a complex and often contentious process, demanding split-second precision and interpretation. The debate surrounding Maeda's goal underscores the need for consistent and transparent application of the rules, regardless of the pressure and intensity of the match.

Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers, naturally defended the goal after the match. [Insert a direct quote or paraphrase of Rodgers' comments on the offside incident]. Conversely, Hibs manager, [Hibs Manager's Name - Insert Name Here], was [Insert Hibs manager's reaction - e.g., more reserved, critical, etc.], stating [Insert a direct quote or paraphrase of the manager's comments].

The match itself was a thrilling encounter, showcasing both teams' attacking prowess. Furuhashi's double was undoubtedly impressive, but Maeda's controversial second goal added another layer to the narrative, leaving the debate about its legitimacy to rumble on. The incident also provides a platform for continued discussion about the implementation and accuracy of VAR technology in modern football, a technology still facing its fair share of critics and adjustments as it strives to improve the game's accuracy and fairness. The lasting impact may well be a renewed focus on VAR training and the need for even more precise technology to handle such close calls. The ultimate question remains: was it offside? The evidence, however, remains inconclusive.