Celtic’s Scottish Premiership opponents this coming weekend, Dundee United, have been involved in VAR controversy ahead of their trip to Parkhead.
Whilst the Bhoys picked up another three points in the league on Sunday, the Tannadice side’s struggles this season continued.
Liam Fox and his squad slumped to a 1-0 defeat to the hands of Motherwell as they suffered their third loss in the last three games.
Not only did they lose the three points, though. United could also be without former Celtic striker Tony Watt for the next few games after he was sent off against Motherwell on Saturday.
Initially, referee John Beaton waved play on following Watt’s challenge on Well midfielder Sean Goss. However, VAR official David Munro called for him to review the decision on the touchline monitor.
After reviewing the footage, Beaton took the decision to send the 28-year-old off just five minutes before the half-time break.
Across social media, supporters from clubs across the country have been discussing their thoughts on the decision. One angle appears to show little to no contact from the striker. Whilst some may argue, from another angle, that it is a red card offence.
Providing his opinion after the game, the Dundee United boss believed that the referee wasn’t provided with enough angle of the tackle when making his decision.
He said [The Courier]: “Having seen the footage that the referee (Beaton) and VAR saw, I could probably say it was a red card.
“But I have also seen other footage from different sources that maybe cast a bit of doubt over it.
“So it is a bit of a contentious issue. I can sit here and mump, moan and complain about it, but it HAS had a big impact.”
Although Watt looked set to miss the return to his former club on Saturday, it has been reported by the Courier that Dundee United have decided to appeal the red card decision.
A fast-tracked hearing will now take place this week as a three-person independent panel consider all angles and evidence surrounding the red card challenge.
Should Watt be exonerated, he would then be free to remain in the Dundee United starting line-up that travels to Celtic Park this weekend.
Overturning decision would be another dreadful look for VAR in Scotland.
Although there has been plenty of discussions and opinion surrounding Watt’s challenge over the weekend. One thing everyone can agree on is overturning this decision would be another dreadful look for VAR.
After just two games of the new technology being involved in Scottish Football, there has already been plenty of talking points in almost every game.
By overturning a decision made by the on-field referee, who had used VAR, it would show a huge fault in the system. And that wouldn’t be the technologies fault, but more the officials who are using it.
It should certainly be interesting to hear the outcome of this decision and whether Tony Watt will be available once again for their trip to take on Ange Postecoglou’s side on Saturday.
In other news, Referee who created Champions League history appointed for Celtic’s clash vs Real Madrid.
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