VAR controversy as Hearts benefit, two big calls against Celtic

Scottish football is welcoming VAR into the game this weekend. Last night saw the debut with St Johnstone beating Hibs at Easter Road but the controversy around the new system has already begun with Hearts benefiting from three calls as Celtic are left bemused about two decisions given against them that could’ve resulted in a half time lead at Tynecastle.

Celtic haven’t been at their best against the hosts but should’ve been 2-0 up before penalty calls were taken into account. Tony Ralston had the ball in the net minutes after James Forrest opened the scoring but referee Walsh blew for a foul, seemingly Giakoumakis on Kio. However, replays indicated that the pair were holding each other. It appeared to be a fine goal. As a result, the VAR ref decided not to overturn the on-field decision but Celtic should have been 2-0 up.

📺 VAR sends Nick Walsh to the screen, a penalty is awarded and Hearts are level!

Drama at Tynecastle Park as Lawrence Shankland slots home from the spot for @JamTarts! ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/X929CI0Ov4

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 22, 2022

Three big VAR calls in the first half.

– Chopping off perfectly good Celtic goal.

– Giving Hearts a penalty which was a penalty.

– Not giving Celtic a penalty for a clear hand ball.

Think second half is going to be a struggle after this.

— Craig (@CraigCelt) October 22, 2022

Hearts went level with Lawrence Shankland from the spot after Nick Walsh let his colleague Steven McLean in Glasgow adjudicate on whether Cameron Carter-Vickers had fouled Cammy Devlin. It was probably the right call to give the penalty.

However, minutes later, Michael Smith saw the ball hit his arm from a James Forrest cross. 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.