Neil Lennon opens up on dealing with VAR as Celtic manager

By John Reid

February 22, 2020

Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been through a lot in his time in football, but he had some thoughts on a new experience – VAR, the Evening Times reports.

The Hoops boss had his first experience of the footballing technology in the 1-1 Europa League draw with Copenhagen.

The system did have an impact on the game, as Copenhagen were awarded a penalty when Ryan Christie was penalised for a handball, given by VAR.

Thankfully Fraser Forster saved the spot kick. Lennon didn’t have any complaints about the decision, but he did confirm that the experience of waiting for the decision was a unique one.

“I’d have been screaming”

“I have no complaints. It was unfortunate for us, but if it was for me, I’d have been screaming penalty” he said, as quoted by the Evening Times.

“Their manager was cheerleading the crowd. We were watching it as well and your heart is sinking.”

VAR ruled against Celtic (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

That must have been an odd experience for the Hoops boss to be waiting on the decision to be made by the referee.

However, it could be one that he will have to deal with on a regular basis should VAR be introduced to the Scottish game.

Seems inevitable system will come to Scotland

At the moment that is not happening, but you have to think that it is only a matter of time before the authorities in Scotland work out a way to get the system introduced.

Ryan Christie vs Copenhagen (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Of course, Celtic will have to deal with VAR in the second leg of the Copenhagen. It will be interesting to see if Neil Lennon ‘cheerleads’ the crowd when waiting for the decision to be made.

That could help create an atmosphere when the referee is making his decision. Only time will tell on that front, but hopefully it benefits the Hoops in the second leg.

What do you think of the impact VAR had on the game? Could it benefit Celtic in the second leg? Share your thoughts below with a comment in our new discussion forum…