Former referees call out Alan Muir for his guesswork at Easter Road

Two former SFA category one referees called out Alan Muir’s decision to disallow Daizen Maeda’s equaliser for Celtic at Easter Road on Saturday…

: Images from Hibs Vlogger

: Not available to VAR

: Alan Muir just guessed

Initially, Daizen Maeda had looked like he had levelled the game for Celtic with seven minutes of normal time remaining after the Japanese forward converted the ball into the net courtesy of an Alistair Johnston cross.

However, Alan Muir overturned the on-field decision as he believed it was a ‘factual overturn’ to award a goal kick rather than a goal after reviewing the incident from Clydesdale House.

Now, two former SFA grade one referees Des Roache and Steve Conroy have given their take on the controversial incident in the capital.

Here’s what they said:

“We don’t have goal-line technology, so it’s impossible to clarify whether the ball was still in. They can’t see it clearly from the angle they’ve got, so it’s not clear and obvious – therefore, VAR shouldn’t have got involved.”

We don’t have goal-line technology so impossible to clarify whether the ball was still in. https://t.co/KxiCJU8vZ7

— The Ref’s View (@TheRefsView) February 22, 2025

Brendan Rodgers praised Hibs vlogger

Brendan Rodgers insists that Celtic will NOT be making any statements on what the Irishman felt was the incorrect decision to disallow the goal. Speaking in yesterday’s media conference ahead of Aberdeen’s visit to Glasgow’s east end tonight, the 52 year-old Hoops boss said: “I’ve seen one image of one right on the actual goal line which was an incredible shot really and that looked in.”

Rodgers continued: “It’s more the process really. I was disappointed for the guys in the game, Steve and the referee and the linesman, because they actually got it right in the game. I didn’t feel that they should have been overruled on that without a definitive answer which is what I said at the time.”

Alan Muir has quite a track-record

It is yet another incident involving Alan Muir on VAR that is marred with controversy and confusion.

The SFA’s key match incident panel will give their take on Maeda’s disallowed goal on Friday. It will also be interesting to listen to Head of Refereeing Willie Collum’s thoughts over the reasoning for not awarding a goal in the SFA’s monthly instalment of the VAR Review Show which is aired at the beginning of each month.

Meanwhile, Celtic remain 13 points clear despite suffering their second league defeat of the season after their nearest title challengers theRangers were also beaten at home to St Mirren 2-0 on Saturday afternoon which saw Brendan Rodgers see off another Ibrox manager following the dismissal of Philippe Clement on Sunday evening.

🍀 “Between the club and the SFA we will speak, but there’s not a great deal we can do about it now…”

Brendan Rodgers on Celtic’s disallowed equaliser vs Hibs as they prepare to face Aberdeen.

📺 Celtic vs Aberdeen, live on Sky. Tue from 7.15pm pic.twitter.com/ycRVp3j4Kr

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 24, 2025

Celtic’s attention turns to Aberdeen

Attention for the Hoops now turns to Aberdeen tonight at Paradise where Celtic will have the chance to extend their significant lead at the Premiership summit to 16 points.