Celtic’s dramatic 2-1 defeat to Hibernian has ignited a storm of controversy after VAR official Grant Irvine ruled out what many inside Parkhead believed was a clear penalty — a decision that could have major implications in the Premiership title race.
Kai Andrews’ late strike sealed a famous win for Hibs, their first at Celtic Park in 16 years, but the fallout has centred firmly on two explosive second-half VAR interventions.
Felix Passlack had opened the scoring on 24 minutes, rising to head home from Nicky Cadden’s inviting delivery. Celtic hit back before the interval through Benjamin Nygren, who nodded in from close range after a superb cross from Kieran Tierney.
With the game finely poised, chaos unfolded after the break.
First, Auston Trusty was sent off following a VAR review for an off-the-ball clash with Jamie McGrath. Referee Matthew MacDermid was instructed to consult the pitchside monitor before upgrading his initial decision to a redcard for violent conduct.
But the flashpoint that truly enraged the Celtic support came moments later.
From the resulting corner, Liam Scales appeared to be clearly hauled back by Jack Iredale inside the box. The Irish defender was visibly furious, demanding a spot-kick as he was dragged away from the six-yard area.
VAR was called into action once again.
Grant Irvine intervened — and the stadium screen delivered the verdict: “Incident outside the Penalty Area.”
The decision stunned those inside Celtic Park. Replays suggested the holding both began and continued inside the area, yet the review concluded that no penalty would be awarded.
Instead of having the chance to take the lead from the spot — even with ten men — Celtic were left exposed. As the game stretched in the closing minutes, substitute Andrews swept home from the edge of the box on 88 minutes to hand Hibs a historic victory.
The defeat leaves Celtic six points behind league leaders Hearts, albeit with a game in hand, and marks Martin O’Neill’s first domestic loss across both of his spells in Glasgow’s East End this season.
Two pivotal VAR calls went against the champions in the space of minutes — Trusty’s dismissal and the penalty denial — fundamentally altering the momentum of the match.
With the title race tightening, Celtic supporters will fear those decisions could prove decisive come May.