Celtic’s 3-1 victory over Motherwell at Celtic Park sparked significant debate after a controversial VAR intervention led to a decisive penalty. Now, details of the conversation between match officials during the incident have been revealed.
The Hoops were level at 1-1 when the flashpoint occurred late in the match. As a corner was delivered into the penalty area, Celtic forward Daizen Maeda became involved in a physical tussle with Motherwell defender Emmanuel Longelo at the back post.
Referee John Beaton initially dismissed Celtic’s appeals and instead awarded Motherwell a free kick. However, the situation quickly changed when the VAR team intervened.
VAR Intervention Changes the Decision
Kevin Clancy, operating as the VAR official, advised Beaton to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.
After studying the replays, the referee overturned his original decision and awarded Celtic a penalty. Striker Tomáš Čvančara stepped up and converted from the spot to give the Hoops the lead.
Longelo was also shown a red card for the holding offence, leaving Motherwell with ten men as Celtic went on to secure a 3-1 victory.
Pundits Debate the Incident
The decision immediately sparked debate among pundits covering the match.
Former Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan initially questioned whether the contact was strong enough to justify a penalty.
“I think he ducks down. It’s not the force of Longelo that puts him down. I think he goes down himself and tries to head it in.
“It’s a big call. It doesn’t look like a penalty, but stranger things have happened.”
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner offered a different view, suggesting the defender may have created the problem himself.
“The problem is when you allow a player on the inside of you, you have got to see that. You have got to use your body and your strength. Stephen could be right, but did he push him over?”
What Officials Were Reviewing
BBC commentator Liam McLeod later explained what the officials were focusing on during the VAR review.
“Right, I think it is the holding they are looking at. John Beaton is looking at the replays down below us.”
Craigan continued analysing the incident as the replays were shown.
“The holding has to really impact his movement. Players hold all the time, but if it impacts the player it will be a penalty.”
Post-Match Verdicts Support the Decision
After the final whistle, several pundits agreed the referee ultimately made the correct call.
Former Motherwell manager Ian McCall said the replay angles made the foul clear.
“We saw three or four angles of it, but you only really need the first one. Longelo wrapped his arms around Maeda from behind and hauled him to the ground. I can’t believe the referee didn’t see it in real time.”
Former Celtic midfielder Peter Grant also backed the decision.
“That simply has to be a penalty. There’s no way they can’t give that.”
Turning Point in the Match
The VAR review proved to be the defining moment of the contest. Once Celtic took the lead from the penalty and Motherwell were reduced to ten men, the momentum shifted firmly in favour of the home side.
Despite the debate surrounding the incident, the decision stood and Celtic went on to secure all three points after a dramatic and controversial moment at Celtic Park.