VAR made its debut at Celtic Park last night, and even gave us a glorious route back into our Europa League last 32 tie against Copenhagen.
But as Neil Lennon’s men collapsed in tragic fashion late on in Glasgow, the technology was denying our old group rivals CFR Cluj in even more dramatic fashion.
The Romanians were away to perennial competition winners Sevilla – and had just scored what looked to be a dramatic winner – when VAR stepped in to deny them.
Alexandru Paun was adjudged to have handballed in the build up to his goal, as the strike was chopped off and Cluj bowed out on away goals after a 1-1 aggregate draw.
As we’re well aware, Cluj have already won at Celtic Park this season. And a win over Sevilla may even have eclipsed that as a feat.
It was still a mightily impressive feat for a well organised side, and they exit the tournament with their head held high. Unlike ourselves.
Cluj have proven themselves to be a good side
Cluj are the kind of side we are likely to face in Champions League qualification next summer – presuming we hold on to our healthy Premiership lead.
Lennon’s men have all the quality to make it to the premier competition’s group stage. We showed that in our wins over Lazio and Rennes.
But we must learn an element of game management that has been sadly lacking in a few of our European ties this season.
Both home legs against Cluj and Copenhagen were far too frantic. The game panning out like that only goes to suit the visiting team as their goals effectively mean more due to the away goals rule.
We must find a way to be more stubborn in these games. And cut out the costly individual errors.
We’re gonna have a tough task on our hands to make the Champions League groups.
But this Celtic team, and Neil Lennon, will have to show they’ve learned their lessons when the time comes.
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