Overview
- An independent Key Match Incident panel said the VAR intervention that led to Celtic’s stoppage‑time penalty at Fir Park was incorrect and that the on-field decision to play on should have stood, though the panel cannot change match results.
- Scottish FA head of refereeing Willie Collum publicly backed referee John Beaton and VAR Andrew Dallas, saying there was “clear evidence,” and the SFA released VAR audio in which Dallas tells Beaton the ball “definitely” struck Sam Nicholson’s hand.
- SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell defended VAR as effective and confirmed it will remain in use, while SPFL disciplinary inquiries and a Police Scotland probe into the incidents are still under way.
- The awarded penalty, converted by Kelechi Iheanacho, preserved Celtic’s late run and contributed to them winning the Premiership with Hearts finishing two points behind, a result that has intensified scrutiny of the calls.
- Critics point to unclear handball guidance, limited camera angles for on-field review, and inconsistent practice between VAR and referees, and stakeholders are calling for tightened protocols and clearer guidance ahead of next season.