Celtic's 4-0 victory over Dundee United in the Premier Sports Cup has reignited the VAR debate, with fans claiming 'clear and unequivocal evidence' of a handball was ignored. The match at Tannadice saw Camilo Duran net after Kasper Hogh appeared to handle the ball in the build-up, a decision that has left United boss Jim Goodwin furious.
VAR Check Backs Referee
The VAR team checked the incident and backed referee Steven McLean, who had already allowed the goal. The SFA clarified the rule that green lit the goal, but Goodwin was unhappy with the verdict at full-time. Chris Lowe, from Yoker, joined the gaffer's rage, targeting SFA refereeing chief Willie Collum with claims about last season's title run-in.
Lowe said: "He [Collum] is now gaslighting us almost immediately after yet another strange decision going, yip you’ve guessed, it for Celtic. The integrity of the game has gone under Collum’s stewardship, he’s got to go." Willie Mercer echoed the sentiment, stating: "Once again we have clear and unequivocal evidence that Celtic are refereed to different standards than the rest of the teams. A clear handball by Hogh in the lead up to Celtics second goal is completely ignored by the VAR."
Concerns Despite Comfortable Win
Despite the comfortable margin, William Hutchison from Aberdeen had concerns: "Although I am delighted with the score, Dundee United hit woodwork five times. If they want it to be a whole different story. We could have been 2-0 down before we got our act together. We must tighten up in defence, though I thought Colby Donovan had an exceptional game in defence, we can't play like that vs LASK on Wednesday as I can't see them not taking their chances."
Attention is quickly turning to the Champions League playoff with LASK next week. Kenny Wilson from Moffat said: "Another good clinical performance from Celtic, although 4-0 is maybe a bit flattering with United hitting the woodwork four times. Better from [Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain and Duran looks like a quality signing who will play a big part this season. Still not convincing defensively and that needs to improve before Wednesday night against better opposition. But this team is definitely a huge improvement from last season and hopefully a few more signings to come in."
European Ambitions and Derby Praise
Stephen Mulhern said: "I traveled through to Tannadice with a degree of apprehension knowing our recent record there was hardly convincing. But once again Celtic turned in another scintillating performance. The firepower we have now is frightening, and I’m hopeful of a two goal lead to take over to Austria on Wednesday. Also a special mention to dead ball choreographer Ross Wilson who surely played a part in Celtics all important opening goal."
Gordon Ashley from Ayr demanded a major shake up of Europe's elite competition: "With so many non champions in the Champions League it is time to revert the competitions back to their original names - The Champions League back to the European Cup, the Europa league back to the UEFA Cup, and the Conference League back to the Intertoto Cup. Or just scrap that tournament because nobody really cares anyway."
Derek McInnes remains under firm pressure after a winless start to life at Rangers. Brian Allan asked: "Is Derek McInnes turning into Wilfried Nancy with the number of games he has lost? If so he needs sacked. How many dud signings has he made? Celtic are going for quality not quantity. But the league has just started and he has time to turn it around."
Henry Moffat from Stirling was still raving about Kilmarnock's dramatic win over rivals Ayr United under the Rugby Park lights on Friday night: "What a hidden gem the Ayrshire Derby is. I was blown away by the atmosphere both sets of fans created, they really don't like each other do they? It was the same as the last one I watched at Somerset Park and to me this is Scotland's second best derby after the Glasgow one. What a game as well!"
