Celtic supporters have watched too many moments like this over the last few seasons. Another major decision, another debate around VAR and another feeling that consistency simply is not there when it matters most.
The discussion around Benjamin Nygren’s challenge against Hibs quickly became one of the biggest talking points from the match. Many supporters believed the Celtic player had been fouled and expected intervention.
Frank McAvennie clearly agreed with that view and his reaction reflected the frustration many fans have carried throughout the season. The former Celtic striker did not hold back when discussing the incident and the wider standard of officiating and VAR in Scotland.
VAR in Scottish football: incompetent refs, bad technology or both?
Frank McAvennie’s frustration mirrors what Celtic fans are thinking
McAvennie pointed directly to the challenge on Nygren and insisted it should have been given as a foul. He also referenced John Collins agreeing with the decision during the discussion.
He said: “John Collins was bang on the money. He said anywhere else in the pitch is a foul. He ran round him and he just shoved him.”
That reaction will feel familiar to many Celtic supporters because the frustration is no longer just about one isolated moment. The real issue is the lack of consistency around what is and is not considered enough contact inside the box.
Supporters can accept mistakes in football. What becomes harder to accept is when technology is introduced specifically to remove errors and the arguments continue anyway.
VAR was meant to remove controversy but the arguments keep growing
McAvennie’s strongest criticism came when he turned his attention towards officials themselves and the ongoing VAR debate in Scottish football.
McAvennie continued, “They are hopeless. Well, they are hopeless. That’s why they’re not in the big tournaments. That tells you everything.
“We used to have good referees that went to everywhere. Your Stuart Dougals, your McGinleys, Willie Young, Dallas. We all complained about them.
“But they made mistakes, but there wasn’t VAR and you could give decisions either way. Now they’ve got VAR and they still get things wrong. It’s just ridiculous.”
You can watch McAvennie’s explosive reaction below:
The comments were blunt and straight to the point, but they reflected a wider feeling among supporters who expected VAR to improve trust in decisions. Instead, every major incident now appears to create even more scrutiny.
That is why the Nygren moment has generated such a strong reaction. The debate is no longer only about whether a foul should have been given. It is about whether anybody truly understands where the line is anymore.
Celtic supporters will not expect every decision to go their way. They will expect consistency though, and McAvennie’s reaction showed exactly why so many still believe VAR is failing Scottish football.
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