Robbie Neilson has never lost a game against Celtic without it being the fault of a referee or VAR; even when his side got away with some scandalous decisions in their 4-3 defeat to Ange Postecoglou’s men at Tynecastle earlier this season.
Tonight there were a number of bizarre calls made by the officials. Hearts took the lead through a goal which was flagged offside, only for VAR to overturn the decision. Replays suggest that the on field official may have actually been correct in the first place!
Celtic equalised through a wonderful bit of play between Ralston, Kyogo and Maeda. The linesman raised his flag for offside, despite each phase of play taking place with Celtic players several yards behind the defenders. VAR correctly awarded the goal.
Around this time, Celtic were denied a penalty. It would have been harsh but the ball struck the Hearts player’s hand as he turned in the box. Those types of calls have been given on many occasions this season, including against Celtic with Taylor, O’Riley and Bernbaei all being victims as recent examples. Neither the referee nor VAR gave a penalty.
It was by no means a shocker, but it was a major call which went Neilson’s way.
Considering the above, it is quite bizarre that the Hearts boss launched into a full time tirade about VAR. Indeed, Neilson complained that Celtic were not reduced to ten men for Bernabei’s tackle in the first half. It was a poor challenge, but it lacked any force to be deemed dangerous/serious foul play. Thus, a yellow card would have been sufficient and should have been awarded, but VAR were absolutely correct in deeming the challenge not worthy of meriting a sending off.
That didn’t stop Neilson making ridiculous remarks about requiring decapitation for Celtic players to be sent off at Parkhead.
He would have been correct to moan about the lack of a booking. However, that whinge would have to be tempered by the fact that Devlin wasn’t booked for a cynical foul on Bernabei and Maeda either.
Ultimately, Hearts had two contentious decisions go their way and one decision correctly went against them in terms of Bernabei remaining on the field. Even if the latter incident was wrong in Neilson’s opinion, it doesn’t cancel out the nature of the goal they were awarded or the penalty escape.
Celtic were the better team and deservedly won. Although, Hearts made Ange’s team work for the points.
(Video footage of the handball and Bernbei incidents will be added when available)
Matthew Marr’s debut Celtic book – The Bould Bhoys! Glory to their name – is out on 24 March on Celtic Star Books
Pushing the launch of Matthew Marr’s debut Celtic book – ‘The BOULD BHOYS – Glory to their name’ back a week to Friday 24 March. Thanks to everyone who has ordered since we announced the book last night via an interview with the author. Please note that all pre-ordered books will be personally signed by Matthew Marr and you can order below if you’d like a signed copy posted out to you 24 March.
READ THIS...‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ by Matthew Marr
