Celtic had to beat two teams today VAR and Hearts- watch John Hartson’s claim on Sky Sports

During his playing days John Hartson didn’t mess about as defenders in Scotland ad England will happily testify to.

The ball was there to be won, his opponent was the enemy and he wasn’t going to go round the houses looking to be part of a 24 touch passing move to get the ball in the net if he could bulldoze his way to goal.

Scottish football is four years behind the English game in the introduction of VAR, the teething troubles elsewhere have been observed and worked on with the SFA taking delivery this weekend, ahead of the planned post World Cup introduction.

Hearts were rightly awarded two penalties today, Ange Postecoglou won’t be pleased by the way Cameron Carter-Vickers and Moritz Jenz defended passes into the box.

Equally in 11 SPFL matches this season Celtic have yet to be awarded a penalty despite spending 60% plus of the time in possession in most matches. Celtic have scored 39 goals but none from the penalty spot.

Soon after Lawrence Shankland equalised for Hearts in the first half Michael Smith raised his arm to block a pass from James Forrest. Referee Nick Walsh saw it, VAR Steve McLean got to review it and didn’t even suggest that Walsh check it on the monitor.

The SFA have been on a charm offensive this week to explain VAR, we’ll see if they publish any explanation for today’s decisions at Tynecastle.