Fuming Greg Taylor says Mario Hermoso went in “swinging” on Celtic teammate

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Greg Taylor has called out VAR after Daizen Maeda’s sending-off last night against Atletico Madrid.

The Celtic defender highlighted the use of still images in Maeda’s red card which was initially deemed to be a yellow card, but was later overturned by Ivan Kruzliak.

Maeda was shown a red card in the 23rd minute after a challenge on Mario Hermoso was reviewed by VAR. The tackle was freeze-framed to emphasize the moment of contact between the players.

In real-time, the tackle did not seem to appear to be a red card. However, when VAR froze the images, it dramatically altered the referee’s perspective of the incident.

The freeze-framing created an unnatural view that made it appear as though Maeda was expected to withdraw his leg, even though he was attempting to block the ball and not endanger his opponent, as the images were interpreted by the official.

Greg Taylor unhappy with Daizen Maeda red card

Taylor expressed his frustrations over the decision after the match. He said: [The Scottish Sun], “But it’s a really sore night. The red card is a big moment and when VAR looks at a still image, I think it gets a bit silly.”

The Scottish international believes that Maeda was merely trying to win the ball and should not have been shown a red card. Taylor said: “The actual tackle, the Atletico player goes in swinging so Daizen has then got to protect himself in terms to go and compete in the challenge.”

Regarding the use of VAR, the Celtic defender expressed his concerns. He said: “Once you go to a still image, it can look as bad as it did, I’m sure. So I don’t know what the answer is going forward but I don’t see real benefit in what VAR is bringing right now.

“I think it’s difficult once when it goes to a still image in that instance. It’s there to try and enhance the game and help the referees. But I think it’s a wee bit false when show it alone like that.”

Taylor’s quotes reflect the widespread frustration within the Celtic camp following Maeda’s red card. The decision to send him off was undeniably confusing, as there was no clear error made by the official who had a clear view of the incident and had initially believed a yellow card to be the right punishment for the Japanese international.

However, VAR’s tendency to review and upgrade the decision to a red card highlights the current landscape of world football, where players are discouraged from making challenges. Additionally, it highlights a trend where players look to seek the referee’s intervention to penalize their opponents when they are on the receiving end of tackles.