Scandalous- Celtic Ambassador calls out Steven McLean
Tom Boyd has hit out at Steven McLean over the use of VAR during Celtic’s 4-3 win over Hearts at Tynecastle.
Despite having access to a multitude of cameras used by Sky Sports there were two big calls in the first half that infuriated Celtic supporters.
In the 20th minute referee Nick Walsh was quick to blow for a foul against Giorgos Giakoumakis despite the message going out that incidents would be concluded before decisions are taken. After that decision there seemed to be contact between Walsh and McLean.
Hearts were then awarded a penalty after Walsh consulted his pitch side monitor but when Michael Smith used his hand to intercept a pass from James Forrest there was no instruction to check with the monitor.
Picking up on the Celtic TV coverage of yesterday’s match, the Daily Record reports Boyd saying:
That’s absolute nonsense, that’s scandalous from Mr McLean. The problem with VAR, it’s not VAR’s fault it’s the people who are interpreting it. Three decisions, one he’s got right, two he’s get wrong.
The fear from Celtic supporters, among others, have certainly come to fruition, even the manager is shaking his head, who doesn’t get too animated by some decisions by referees, but you seen him on that on occasion.
It is unclear what follow up there will be to the introduction of VAR. The SFA could easily create a 5 minute video package per match explaining decisions taken or release the audio between the referee and the VAR to come to a conclusion.
Boyd has been a Celtic ambassador since 2016.