Offside Decision Denies Maeda Second Goal For Celtic Against Hibs

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Post on Feb 23, 2025

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Celtic's Maeda Denied Second Goal by Tight Offside Call in Thrilling Hibs Encounter

Glasgow, Scotland — Kyogo Furuhashi's brace and a late Daizen Maeda effort, controversially ruled out for offside, propelled Celtic to a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road on [Date of Match]. The match, a pulsating encounter filled with end-to-end action and crucial refereeing decisions, showcased both the attacking prowess of Ange Postecoglou's side and the resilience of Lee Johnson's Hibernian.

The opening exchanges were frenetic. Both teams displayed a commitment to attacking football, creating chances with swift passing combinations and direct runs. However, it was Celtic who broke the deadlock in the [Minute of Kyogo's first goal] minute. A deft pass from [Assist provider for Kyogo's first goal] sliced through the Hibs defense, releasing Furuhashi who calmly slotted the ball past Hibs goalkeeper, [Hibs Goalkeeper's Name], to give Celtic a 1-0 advantage.

Hibernian, undeterred, responded with a flurry of attacks, testing Celtic's defense. Their persistence paid off in the [Minute of Hibs goal] minute when [Hibs Goalscorer] found the back of the net with a [Description of Hibs goal – e.g., powerful strike from outside the box, close-range header]. The goal injected renewed energy into the home crowd and set the stage for a tense second half.

Celtic, however, reaffirmed their dominance in the [Minute of Kyogo's second goal] minute. This time, a surging run down the left flank by [Assist provider for Kyogo's second goal] led to a pinpoint cross, which Furuhashi expertly headed home for his second goal of the game. The goal showcased the clinical finishing that has become a hallmark of the Japanese striker’s performances this season.

The match appeared to be heading towards a comfortable Celtic victory until the [Minute of Maeda's disallowed goal] minute. Maeda, latching onto a through ball, expertly finished past the keeper, seemingly extending Celtic’s lead to 3-1. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was disallowed for offside. Replays showed a tight call, with Maeda appearing to be marginally ahead of the last defender at the moment the ball was played. The decision sparked heated debate amongst fans and pundits alike, highlighting the increasingly crucial role of VAR in modern football.

Despite the controversial offside decision, Celtic held on to secure the three points, extending their lead at the top of the [League Name] table. The victory underscored their title aspirations, showcasing their ability to grind out results even in the face of adversity and close refereeing calls. Hibs, despite their valiant effort and the goal scored, will be left to rue missed opportunities and the fine margins that ultimately decided the match.

The match demonstrated the high-octane, attacking football that has become a signature of Postecoglou's Celtic side. It also served as a reminder of the growing impact of VAR and the inherent difficulties in making consistently accurate offside decisions, particularly in fast-paced, fluid matches. While the offside call may remain a point of contention for some, Celtic’s overall performance and victory solidified their position at the forefront of the Scottish Premiership. The battle for the title is far from over, but this win provides a significant boost to their campaign.