Every time Celtic participate in the Scottish Premiership this season it seems to draw some controversy from differing refereeing decisions.
Celtic’s win over Kilmarnock was not as polished a performance as the fans or Brendan Rodgers would have liked but, in the end, the three points ended up back at Glasgow.
Derek McInnes had a moan about Kilmarnock’s stats but when it came to the supposed red-card challenge by Celtic hero, Reo Hatate, the Killie boss disagreed with Sky Sports’ Kris Boyd.
Boyd said the Hatate challenge was a red ‘all day long’ whilst McInnes believes the tackle wasn’t as bad as the former Rangers striker was making it out to be.
So to get a more balanced view, Sky Sports’ Ref Watch took a look at the tackle and Dermot Gallagher delivered his verdict.
Celtic hero Reo Hatate deserved a yellow card vs Kilmarnock
Unfortunately for Boyd, his red card view is again rebuffed as Gallagher says the yellow given by match referee Nick Walsh and VAR, was correct.
Gallagher told Ref Watch, “I think it looks worse than it is. It’s a plastic pitch, so he’s sliding along it.
“He starts low, he does catch him but I don’t think he generates intensity but he does pull out as well.
“And by pulling out, that’s why his foot comes up. I think the referee has got the best view.
“It’s not nice but it’s a yellow card for me.”
VAR and Celtic
VAR has followed Celtic around all season as Brendan Rodgers looks to defend his Scottish Premiership crown.
Against Motherwell, Celtic were denied a clear penalty after Daizen Maeda was fouled in the Fir Park penalty box.
Gallagher also rejected the notion that Aberdeen’s goal that was ruled off against Celtic was ‘harsh’ and that the referee and VAR got that decision correct.
The point is, VAR has impacted more Celtic games than the fans would like but at least on this occasion, the video ref was correct in deciding not to send off Reo Hatate.
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