Frank McAvennie has made an intriguing claim about the assistant referee involved in Daizen Maeda’s controversial goal that was eventually awarded following a VAR review.
Discussing the incident alongside Simon Houston, McAvennie claimed he had been told the assistant referee later admitted he may have made a mistake.
The goal ultimately stood after a VAR intervention, with the decision remaining a talking point among supporters.
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What McAvennie says he was told after the Celtic offside call
Speaking about the incident, McAvennie questioned the application of the offside law before revealing what he had heard regarding the assistant referee’s role in the decision.
He said: “I know. Maybe they just keep changing the rules, and tell the referee and the linesman the rules because Maeda was offside when the ball was put through to Callum Osmand. But he wasn’t involved in the play and so the play continues.
“And Callum was two yards onside. So then when he cut it back, he’s given offside for Maeda.
“From what I got told, the linesman said to the referee I’ve made a mistake there. I think he actually said, if it’s true, I think he actually said I think I may have made a mistake there.”
It is important to note that McAvennie was relaying information he says he was told. There has been no official confirmation of any such admission from the assistant referee.
If true, it would offer a fascinating insight into one of Celtic’s most debated VAR decisions of the season.
Houston highlights VAR’s role in crucial Celtic moment
Houston used the incident as an example of VAR correcting a significant on-field decision.
He said: “Without VAR Maeda’s goal, which effectively won the league, it would not have stood. The assistant referee’s flag was up and even though it was Callum Osmand that was offside, Maeda was two yards on side.
“I mean people are very quick to say VAR’s rubbish and VAR’s ruining the game, but VAR still gets important decisions right?”
While debate around VAR is unlikely to disappear any time soon, McAvennie’s comments have added another layer to the discussion surrounding one of Celtic’s most discussed officiating incidents.
Whether the assistant referee actually acknowledged making a mistake remains unverified, but the claim itself is certain to attract attention.
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