Former Celtic striker John Hartson can have a joke now about one of his most controversial goals. The Welshman scored the Hoops’ opener against Ross County on this day in 2004.
An expertly cushioned diving header into the bottom right of the goal is how the referee seen it back then. However, a slight push by the big man went unnoticed before video technology.
John Hartson on Celtic goal against Ross County
Most fans probably don’t remember the Scottish Cup tie against the Dingwall side 15 years ago.
Hartson’s first goal and a typical Paul Lambert daisy cutter ended up helping the Hoops to victory that night. The Celtic opener wouldn’t have stood though had technology been around then.
Hartson appears to push, quite significantly, the Ross County defender before heading into the net. A video showing the highlights tagged the ex-Welsh international on his Twitter page.
The Tweet said: “That push from John Hartson” with a laughing emoji.
Hartson retweeted the tweet saying “No VAR!!!”
Hartson was seen shoving his man to one side in Spain to send Celtic into the next round of the UEFA Cup in 2oo3.
It appears some of VAR’s haters who are ex-pros don’t like it as half their goals would be chopped off!
Will VAR ever be a feature in Scotland?
There is talk of bringing video assistant referees to the Scottish game. The Glasgow two are in disagreement on its purpose for the league, of course.
Captain Scott Brown isn’t a supporter, saying it’d ruin the game.
Whereas Rangers boss Steven Gerrard would welcome its introduction to help with decisions.
The technology will cost the SFA a lot of money and are often looked upon as being in the dark ages.
However, if English fans are to go by, then perhaps the SFA are doing the right thing by not bringing it in. A dodgy decision in a Glasgow Derby decided by VAR could be bedlam.
Nevertheless, it would take all the weight and the pressure off the on field referee who always gets stick in the end.
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