VAR technology largely worked as it was supposed at Celtic Park tonight as the Bhoys ran out 5-1 winners against St Mirren in the Scottish Cup – but there were still frustrations.
Checks continue to feel pointlessly lengthy and some reviews leave fans confused and ‘bewildered’ as one of tonight’s commentary team put it.
One particularly odd moment came at the end of the first half when officials had a look at a potential red card for Alistair Johnston.
Let’s be clear, he didn’t do anything wrong. However, his arm inadvertently caught St Mirren man Mark O’Hara in the face, which apparently sent the VAR team at Clydesdale House into super sleuth mode. Reviewing the footage himself, Viaplay Sports co-commentator Michael Stewart was bemused.
He said [18:17]: “That’s from a good while ago. It’s taken them forever to go back and find it. Look at it. There’s absolutely nothing in this. The game has been delayed and stopped right before half-time – an utter nonsense. At least the VAR decision is correct.”
When the topic of viewers’ and supporters’ potential thoughts on it came up, the former midfielder continued: “They’ll be absolutely bewildered, as we were. What is it they’re checking? Then you see the replay. It’s as if they are trying to find things that aren’t there. Look at it once, hurry up. They’ve could’ve been looking at that, in a split second there’s nothing to see, play on. The game is stopped for a ridiculous period of time for nothing.”
It’s a spot-on assessment. The roll-out of the technology in Scotland continues to be pretty annoying for spectators – especially those actually in the stadium.
Ange Postecoglou didn’t seem happy with the length of some checks tonight either and has previously gone on the record about those issues.
Hopefully, it’s something that becomes more efficient over time. As it stands, the entire endeavour has been a bit of a buzzkill.
Fans want to see the ball in play as much as possible and stoping the match to comb over footage of minor transgressions simply sucks enjoyment out of the spectacle. They need to get their act together.
In other news, “That’s an interesting take”; Ange Postecoglou takes reporter to task after Celtic VAR question.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
