Dermot Gallagher’s verdict on three Celtic flashpoints vs Aberdeen, rejects ‘harsh’ comment

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Dermot Gallagher has delivered his verdict on three Celtic Park refereeing flashpoints during the draw with Aberdeen at the weekend.

As well as providing an exciting game, both clubs also had some refereeing decisions go for and against them that caused much debate in the Celtic’s 2-2 stalemate with The Dons.

The match saw Aberdeen striker Duk’s goal ruled out for handball, Adam Idah’s goal chalked off for an infringement on the Pittodrie keeper and also Celtic denied a penalty claim in the final minute of stoppage time after VAR ruled there was no handball against, rather ironically, Duk.

So what did Dermot Gallagher on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch make of the decisions?

Duk’s handball goal correctly chalked for Aberdeen vs Celtic

67 Hail Hail already discussed former SFA referee, Des Roache’s opinion on the VAR decisions this morning, so here is what Gallagher reckons.

First up was the decision to rule out Aberdeen’s third goal for a Duk handball. After Sky Sports presenter Rob Wotton stated that the decision was ‘harsh’, Gallagher said, “Well, it’s where VAR works well, isn’t it?

“Because without doubt, when I saw this, and it clearly comes off his arm into the net, it goes directly into the net off his arm.

Wotton replied, “The fact it went directly in, is the key?” to which Gallagher replied, “Absolutely, because it’s not deliberate. But there’s no doubt about that. But it goes directly into the net off his arm.”

Adam Idah’s disallowed and no Celtic penalty vs Aberdeen ruled correct

The other two big talking points were the decisions to rule out Adam Idah’s headed goal and not to award Celtic a penalty for Duk’s last-minute handball.

Of both decisions, Gallagher said, “Alistair Johnston backs into the goalkeeper, doesn’t he? Idah goes to head the ball, and the fullback backs into the goalkeeper, knocks him, knocks the ball away. Correct decision.

On the Duk handball, “It hits him in the chest,” states Gallagher, “It hits him in the midriff. It’s a great block and you can see how he celebrates it.

“I think this was the last minute that throws himself out it but doesn’t handle it. It’s checked by the VAR and it’s cleared.”

VAR still causing plenty of Celtic debate

Since its introduction in October 2022, VAR has probably caused more debate for Celtic fans over the past two years.

Celtic have suffered from controversial VAR decisions from the first day it was introduced and even to this day, there is still dubiety about the refereeing technology.

The SFA and Willie Collum are taking steps to create a more transparent process on how the match officials come to their decisions with their monthly podcast called The VAR Review but, in truth, it does seem like the controversy will not go away any time soon.