Celtic manager Martin O'Neill's remarks on VAR decisions have ignited a fresh debate following his team's 2-1 victory over St Mirren. The win, secured at the SMiSA Stadium, was reported by the Daily Record Football and has drawn sharp criticism from rival supporters regarding perceived officiating advantages.
What did Martin O'Neill say about VAR?
Martin O'Neill referenced what he described as 'crooked lines' in relation to a disallowed goal for Camilo Duran. This comment, which also alluded to a previous four-game ban, has become a focal point for critics. George Wilson from West Sussex stated, "Comical to read the outcry about Celtic and VAR decisions considering they wouldn’t have won the league last season without refereeing and VAR decisions wrongly going in their favour." The sentiment was echoed by Alan Gordon, who accused Celtic supporters of trying to change the narrative.
How are fans reacting to the controversy?
The Daily Record's Hotline was flooded with calls. Kenny Wilson from Moffat criticized the overall standard of refereeing and the VAR system itself. Charles Maxwell from Uddingston, a Rangers supporter of over sixty years, specifically requested data tape to review the ball's run for Duran's disallowed effort. This highlights the technical scrutiny now applied to every key decision. Meanwhile, Alan Fleet contrasted Celtic's past performances with predictions for Rangers' future success, showing how current debates are framed within longer-term rivalries.
Where does this leave Celtic in the league?
The controversy arrives as Celtic sit in a commanding position. They are currently first in the Premiership with 15 points from five games, boasting a perfect record of five wins. Their goal difference stands at an impressive +10, having scored 13 and conceded just three. This form gives them a three-point lead over second-placed Heart of Midlothian, who secured a late win over Dundee. Richard Wharton from Carlisle noted the parallel with Celtic's own history of late winners, adding another layer to the narrative. Fans can track the evolving standings as the season progresses.
What's next for Celtic after the international break?
Attention now turns to Celtic's next fixture, a home match against St Johnstone on December 5th. St Johnstone are currently seventh in the table, presenting another test for O'Neill's league leaders. The squad will be looking to maintain their flawless start and extend their lead at the summit. Supporters can view the full upcoming fixtures list on the club's schedule page. The team's strong defensive record, with only three goals conceded, is a key factor in their early dominance, and detailed stats are available for further analysis.
Beyond the immediate fallout, other Premiership issues were raised on the Hotline. William Hutchison from Aberdeen commented on the ongoing ban for away fans at matches between Celtic and Rangers. Neil Renton from Leith expressed disappointment with Hibernian's result and questioned manager David Gray's future. Gary Stevenson from Newtonhill discussed broader Scottish football issues, including Ian Maxwell's move from the SFA and potential quotas for Scottish-born players. Celtic's next challenge is to prepare for the visit of St Johnstone at Celtic Park on the fifth of December.
