Pictured- the most ridiculous VAR offside check
After failing to find fault with either of Celtic’s first two goals against Livingston Colin Steven was giving it heart and soul to disallow Kyogo Furuhashi strike in stoppage time.
Almost a minute after the ball found the net the screens at Celtic Park revealed a VAR check for a possible foul. Fail.
Next up was a check for a possible offside, as the image below shows a Livingston defender was playing Kyogo at least two yards onside. As a helpful guide the last Livi defender was at the far end of the centre circle with Kyogo clearly to the left of the assistant referee who hadn’t flagged.
Reluctantly Nick Walsh gave the goal, Livingston kicked off then the half-time whistle blew to the sound of booing from the home supporters.
The referee looked apologetic as he informed the Livingston players that the goal was standing, Celtic TV wasn’t given Hawkeye images to show that Kyogo was onside.
This got checked by VAR for offside.
Scottish referees aren’t fit for purpose. pic.twitter.com/N2Dah4WcbV
— Celtic F1rst (@CelticF1rst) February 1, 2023
Colin Steven is a trained SFA VAR official, so far this season he hasn’t refereed any Celtic matches but he is clearly racing up Crawford Allan’s promotion ladder, CLICK HERE for his matches this season.
VAR checklist at goal (Celtic edition)
* check for foul
* check for offside
* check for hint of a handball
* check for penalty to Rangers
* check for foul throw
* check again for a foul
* check for socks not fully pulled up
* check for anything green— Moravcik67 (@Moravcik67_) February 1, 2023
What should the SFA do with Nick Walsh?
Carry on Nick, everyone is allowed honest mistakes
Demote him to the Lowland League, learn from his mistakes
Sack him, he is incapable of applying the Laws of the Game
