Tom Boyd spoke for many Celtic fans when he watched the events at Tynecastle on Saturday unfold.
Shortly after Hearts had equalised with a penalty Michael Smith raised his left arm to block a pass into the penalty box from James Forrest. Referee Nick Walsh was within 10 yards of the incident, had an uninterrupted view of the contact but hesitated to give a penalty.
After a very brief delay, presumably to consult with VAR Steven McLean Walsh indicated that play should resume with a throw in with the Celtic TV duo of Gerry McCulloch and Boyd not slow to share their views on the error.
CelticTV is incredulous when Celtic are denied a stonewall handball penalty. pic.twitter.com/yWlb5umzvc
— GrandOLTeam (@JBLuvsCeltic) October 23, 2022
TB: That is absolute nonsense, that’s scandalous, that’s scandalous from Mr McLean. He’s been privy to controversy in our games before.
GM: The manager knows, he knows that should have been a penalty.
TB: The problem with VAR, as I said before Gerry it’s not VAR’s fault it’s the people who are interpreting it, that is a penalty. There has been three decisions, one he’s got right, two he’s get wrong.
GM: Well I don’t quite understand that one to be honest.
TB: Yes, the fear from Celtic supporters, among others, have certainly come to fruition, and the manager even shaking his head. He doesn’t get too animated by some decisions by referees, but you seen him on that occasion.
Should Celtic ask for publication of VAR conversations between McLean and Walsh?
Yes, it will help fans understand decision making
Teething troubles, we have to trust SFA officials
Celtic recovered from that decision, and another penalty to bring Hearts level at 3-3 to take the points thanks to Greg Taylor’s first SPFL goal as a Celtic player.
That made it 10 wins out of 11 for the champions with subsequent results stretching their lead at the top of the Premiership to four points.
Tomorrow night Celtic host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League but on Sunday the spotlight will be domestic as they face Livingston with Sky Sports showing the action with VAR under close scritiny following Saturday’s debut.