The SFA’s Key Match Incident panel could hardly have been clearer after Celtic’s 3-1 win over Rangers.
Two of the biggest Celtic flashpoints from the derby were reviewed independently and both decisions were unanimously backed with a “Correct 3:0” verdict.
That outcome leaves very little room for the complaints and controversy that followed the match at Celtic Park. The official review process fully supported both the referee and VAR team.
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The SFA panel backed both major Celtic decisions
The first incident centred around Hyunjun Yang’s Celtic equaliser, which Rangers believed should have been disallowed for a potential offside during the attacking phase of play.
The KMI panel reviewed the incident and unanimously supported the on-field decision to award the goal. The report specifically referenced a “potential offside in build-up (APP)” before confirming the verdict as “Correct 3:0”.
It is also important to separate that incident from Daizen Maeda’s spectacular third goal, which was not the subject of the review.
The panel reached the exact same conclusion over Alistair Johnston’s challenge on Mikey Moore.
- Goal award upheld after APP offside review
- Decision unanimously supported 3:0
- Johnston yellow card also upheld 3:0
- VAR judged correct not to intervene
- No retrospective punishment followed
The reaction now looks overstated
There was significant noise after the derby, particularly around the offside decision and Johnston’s tackle. Debate continued for days as Rangers-linked criticism intensified.
However, the reaction after the derby now sits alongside a completely unanimous SFA review.
The crucial detail is not simply that the decisions were upheld. It is that every member of the panel agreed with both calls.
Celtic’s performance should not be lost in the discussion either. Brendan Rodgers’ side recovered from going behind to secure a major 3-1 derby victory during a critical stage of the title race.
The official review process has now backed the refereeing team at every major flashpoint from the match. Whatever frustration existed after full-time, the SFA panel’s conclusions were decisive.
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