Mark Clattenburg has weighed in on Hibs’ equaliser being allowed against Celtic.
With his side down to ten men, Joe Newell equalised on the brink of half-time, though replays quickly cast doubt over the validity of the goal.
However, after a lengthy VAR check, the on-field decision was confirmed. The Sky Sports panel were baffled by this, along with the Hoop support.
So what does a former elite-level referee think? Speaking exclusively to 67 Hail Hail, Clattenburg has scrutinised the decision.
Mark Clattenburg: ‘Wrong’ to allow Joe Newell goal vs Celtic
Clattenburg said: “Hibs’ equalising goal v Celtic has a controversial nature to it.
“Joe Newell controls the ball with his chest, and as the ball is falling to the ground, it touches his arm.
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“From some angles, it looks a good goal, but there is a camera from behind the goal that shows the ball touches the arm.
“Even though the handball was accidental, the goal was scored directly from this contact, and therefore, the law is clear that the goal must be disallowed.
“I am surprised that the VAR does not recommend a review, as it would be impossible in real time for the referee to see this action.
“VAR awarded a goal. It’s wrong as law is clear.”
Some pundits have even claimed that Newell toned down his celebration as he expected the goal to be disallowed.
It may have been unable to prevent Martin O’Neill’s men from winning the game, but it remains a major talking point.
O’Neill himself remained coy on the topic after the game, preferring to focus on the team’s upcoming fixtures in the run-in.
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Martin O’Neill on Hibs vs Celtic VAR
Asked about VAR after the game, O’Neill said: “So I have the little monitor to the side, which Gavin Strachan sort of controls there, so I’m probably listening to what he’s saying as much as anything else.
“So, yeah, eventually, I think Gavin thought it was pretty contentious, the equalising goal, he thought that that was the case.
“Naturally, I’m pretty biased now, without even saying it, of course I agree with him, but it is what it is, whatever VAR is going to come up with, it’s going to happen.
“It worked for us in one aspect, it didn’t work the other way, and I suppose I would have probably, the truth is I probably would have a different opinion and a different answer to you had we lost the game.”
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