Refereeing Decision: Analysis Of Maeda's Second Goal Ruled Out In Celtic-Hibs Match

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Post on Feb 24, 2025

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Celtic's Maeda Goal Disallowed: VAR Controversy Reignites Debate Over Scottish Premiership Officiating

Glasgow, Scotland – A controversial VAR decision to disallow Daizen Maeda's second goal in Celtic's 3-1 victory over Hibernian at Celtic Park on Saturday sparked fresh outrage among Hoops supporters and reignited the ongoing debate surrounding the implementation and effectiveness of Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) in the Scottish Premiership. The incident, occurring in the [77th minute], saw Maeda seemingly tap the ball into the net after a scramble in the Hibs penalty area. However, referee David Dickinson, after consultation with VAR, ruled the goal out for [a handball by Liel Abada in the build-up].

The decision, announced after a lengthy review, proved instantly contentious. Replays showed Abada, in the melee preceding Maeda's shot, appeared to control the ball with his arm. However, the contact was arguably slight, and many argued the handball was unintentional and insufficient to warrant the disallowing of the goal. The protracted delay in reaching the decision also drew criticism, with fans questioning the clarity and consistency of VAR applications in the Scottish league. The slow pace of the VAR review process has been a recurring point of contention since its introduction.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers expressed his disappointment post-match, stating [“It’s difficult to take. I haven’t seen a replay yet, but if that’s a handball, then the rules need looking at. It’s a shame because the game had a great rhythm. The handball decision is one that needs to be consistent.”] His comments highlighted a common sentiment among fans and pundits alike; a lack of perceived consistency in the application of VAR rules within the Scottish Premiership.

Hibernian manager Lee Johnson, while acknowledging the final decision, offered a more measured response. He commented that [“From my point of view, it’s a tough one. I’ve seen it back. The rules are the rules, and it’s probably the right decision based on what VAR is there for.”] His statement, however, didn't fully quell the growing discontent surrounding the technology's impact on the flow and fairness of the game.

The controversy surrounding Maeda's disallowed goal adds another layer to the already complex discussion regarding VAR in Scottish football. While the technology aims to minimize refereeing errors, its implementation has often led to extended delays, inconsistent interpretations, and widespread frustration among fans, managers, and players. The incident serves as a case study in the ongoing challenges of balancing the pursuit of accuracy with the need to maintain the flow and spectacle of the game. Calls for greater transparency and clearer guidelines surrounding VAR decisions in the Scottish Premiership are expected to intensify following this high-profile incident. The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) is likely to face increased pressure to address these concerns and ensure a more consistent and acceptable application of the VAR system in future matches. The question remains: will the SPFL learn from this episode, or will similar controversies continue to plague the league? The coming weeks will offer a critical window into the league's commitment to addressing these ongoing issues.