Pundits react to Celtic VAR incident as Chris Sutton blasts 'over the top' reaction after 'worst ever' claims
John Beaton’s call against Motherwell at Fir Park has sent shockwaves all over the country and beyond
Celtic icon Chris Sutton believes the reaction to his former side’s penalty has been ‘over the top’ after some have described it as ‘the worst VAR decision ever’.
With the scores locked at 2-2 in the 95th minute, Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson cleared the ball in the air after a duel with Auston Trusty. Referee John Beaton was then told by VAR Andrew Dallas to head to the monitor and subsequently adjudged Nicholson to have handled the ball in the process. Kelechi Iheanacho converted the resulting spot kick to give Celtic the win. Had the match ended in a stalemate, Celtic would’ve needed to beat Hearts by three goals to secure the league title, but the late winner now means a victory of any margin would suffice.
The bonkers nature of Scottish football this season has attracted a wider audience as Beaton’s call has now caused worldwide outrage. Football icon Gary Lineker described the call via X as the ‘worst VAR decision’ he’d ever seen, while veteran broadcaster Jeff Stelling claims Nicholson headed the ball and that the decision was ‘embarrassing’ for Scottish football.
Sutton plays down penalty outrage
The former Celtic and Chelsea man thinks the subsequent fury regarding the incident stems from everyone hoping Hearts win the title. He also believes Dallas was correct to send over Beaton to the monitor and that the right decision was made.
He said via X: "Now the dust has settled.. The reaction from many high profile people is way over the top. John Beaton was advised to go to the monitor and saw that the ball hit the arm in an unnatural position Bottom line is people would hate to see Celtic win the title again and that is all."
Stewart asks for consistency
Former Hearts captain Michael Stewart, looked back to a similar incident during Hearts’ clash with Rangers last week which wasn’t looked at by the same VAR. He also claimed that Head of Referees Willie Collum had previously given out guidelines not to give penalties in this manner.
He said via X: "Andrew Dallas checked and cleared this at Tynecastle last Monday because he thought it hit Sterling's shoulder. Willie Collum then gave guidance to referees this should not have been given because it was a challenge for the ball in a natural playing manner.
“Hearts were then denying a stonewall handball at Fir Park a few days later perhaps due to this bizarre guidance. However the same VAR (Andrew Dallas) now makes a decision with unfathomable consequences, which some describe as the worst VAR decision ever."
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