Former SFA Referee Bobby Madden has weighed in on the VAR debate that is rumbling on following Celtic’s win against Hearts at Tynecastle. Celitc were ahead after just 14 minutes through James Forrest. Minutes after Hearts went level with Lawrence Shankland from the spot – awarded by VAR, Forrest watched his cross hit Michael Smith’s arm.

Bizarrely, the referee and the VAR operator decided that nothing untoward had occurred – despite the ball striking his arm in an unnatural position. The telling sign is that Smith sticks his arm behind his back as if to downplay that it has hit his arm. He knew it should’ve been a penalty.

Now, Madden has offered his views on the decision and said that the referee Nick Walsh and VAR Official Steven McLean had erred in refusing to give Ange Postecoglou’s side a spot-kick. Taking to Instagram, Madden said that he believed that the referee should’ve pointed to the spot and given Celtic a chance to go ahead before the break.

“Ref unlucky and contact is blocked. Can’t guess, so VAR intervenes.

“This is what VAR is for.”

Celtic rallied in spite of the poor VAR calls and won 4-3 at Tynecastle. Lawrence Shankland had sent Hearts ahead after the break but Giorgos Giakoumakis and Daizen Maeda set the Champions ahead again. Although, Shankland again equalised from the spot and it looked as if the game would be level. Greg Taylor sealed the three points with a committed finish.