O’Neill Criticises VAR as Celtic’s Title Hopes Suffer Blow in Controversial Defeat to Hibernian

Ten-Man Hoops Fall Six Points Behind Leaders After Late Drama at Celtic Park

Celtic F.C. manager Martin O'Neill launched a scathing assessment of VAR following a contentious 2–1 defeat to Hibernian F.C. that significantly dented his side’s Premiership ambitions.

Celtic were left stunned at Parkhead as Kai Andrews struck in the 87th minute to secure a dramatic victory for the visitors, leaving the Hoops six points adrift of leaders Heart of Midlothian F.C. and two behind Rangers F.C., who were held to a 2–2 draw by Livingston F.C..

The hosts had earlier restored parity after Benjamin Nygren cancelled out Felix Passlack’s opener. Celtic were pressing for a decisive second goal when the contest turned dramatically with 16 minutes remaining.

Auston Trusty was shown a red card for striking out at Jamie McGrath during a corner. Referee Matthew MacDermid was advised to consult the pitchside monitor by VAR official Grant Irvine and, upon review, dismissed the defender for violent conduct.

However, moments later, Celtic were denied what appeared to be a strong penalty claim when Liam Scales was pulled to the ground inside the area by Jack Iredale. On this occasion, the referee was not instructed to review the incident, prompting visible frustration from O’Neill.

Speaking after the match, the 73-year-old expressed concern over what he perceived as inconsistency in decision-making.

“I’ve just spoken to the referee,” O’Neill explained. “He said he intended to have a word with the two players, but VAR intervened and deemed it violent conduct.”

Addressing the penalty appeal, he added: “The referee’s explanation was that he did not hold on to him long enough. It seems rather strange. He was clearly grabbing his shirt as he attempted to move towards the ball. Some years ago, that is a penalty. VAR chose not to intervene on that one.”

While O’Neill felt aggrieved over the non-awarded penalty, he accepted the dismissal of Trusty, who pulled McGrath’s arm before striking down on it in an attempt to free himself.

“I’ve spoken to him,” O’Neill said. “Under the current interpretation of the rules, you cannot react in that manner, regardless of whether someone is holding you. You simply cannot thrust out as he did.”

Celtic had previously failed in an appeal to the Scottish Football Association over a red card for Trusty earlier in the season, and O’Neill indicated that another appeal was unlikely. The defender is therefore set to miss Sunday’s crucial trip to Ibrox.

“Personally, I would not have thought so,” he remarked when asked about a potential appeal. “The referee has made it clear that VAR judged it violent conduct. I do not imagine opinions will change.”

Reflecting on his first domestic defeat of the campaign, O’Neill conceded the setback could prove significant in the title race.

“It is tough. We are six points behind Hearts now. Domestically, that makes it a difficult challenge, but we remain in the fight,” he said.

“This was always going to be a demanding fixture. Hibs are an excellent side and were unfortunate not to take something from their derby against Hearts. We have seen Livingston take points from Rangers as well — the league is competitive.

“On the balance of play, we might have deserved more. We had considerable possession and produced some quality football, but possession alone does not win matches.”

Hibernian manager David Gray praised his players after securing the club’s first victory at Celtic Park in 16 years, describing it as a testament to their resilience and belief.

The result narrows the gap to Motherwell F.C. to five points, with the Easter Road side now having lost just once in their past five outings.

“You must truly believe you can achieve it,” Gray said. “It required a complete performance. We had to defend resolutely and absorb pressure. I was disappointed with the goal we conceded because it was avoidable, but aside from that, our goalkeeper was not forced into many major saves.”

Gray supported the decision to dismiss Trusty, stating: “You cannot raise your hands with that level of aggression. It constitutes violent conduct and is a clear red card. Jamie has a shoulder problem and was nearly dislocated again, which shows the force involved.”

Regarding Celtic’s penalty appeal, he added: “From the angle I have seen, there was contact and he went down. If it had been awarded on the field, it might not have been overturned. On this occasion, the decision went our way. There have been times when it has not.”