Today marked the first weekend of VAR in the Scottish Premiership, and to say it caused mayhem and controversy in Heart's 4-3 loss to Celtic, would be a severe understatement.
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou may have felt fairly smug after the game, not only because of his side's comeback win, but also because he was against the introduction of VAR into the league.
Chris Sutton also took to Twitter to vent his anger, saying that "Celtic beat Hearts and VAR today…"
After Hearts were awarded a penalty after a VAR check on the stroke of half-time, which drew them level at 1-1, there was shock early in the second-half when Celtic were denied a penalty of their own after a VAR check for what was an obvious handball.
However, the VAR madness reached new heights when Hearts were awarded a penalty with the match at 3-2 to Celtic. Lawrence Shankland's initial attempt was saved by Joe Hart, before Josh Ginnelly was able to slot home the rebound.
However, VAR showed he had encroached along with two Celtic players, and a re-take was ordered, with Shankland scoring on his second attempt.
Celtic vs VAR
🗣️ "What do I know - VAR a starring role and three points. I much prefer it wasn't involved. I thought we had a clear-cut handball but what do I know! It's a lot of theatre!"
Ange Postecoglou on Celtic's dramatic win over Hearts at Tynecastle and the implementation of VAR ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/bOrYrCIzxL— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 22, 2022
❌ Ange Postecoglou couldn't believe it when Celtic were not awarded a penalty after claims for a handball against Michael Smith. Was that the right call? ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/aY9LoXrnsX
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 22, 2022
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Ange spoke to the press after the game, and again voiced his dislike for controversial goal-checking system.
"Look mate as I said before the game I'd much prefer if it wasn't involved at all.
"I thought we had a clear cut handball, but what do I know mate. You kind of go with it, it's just a lot of standing about, it's a lot of theatre. Like I said i just wish they'd get decisions early and intervene when they have to.
"It is what it is, as I said I'm probably on the outside on this one."
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