Key Celtic Update Emerges After Hibs VAR Controversy and Scathing Brendan Rodgers Criticism

Key Celtic Update Emerges After Hibs VAR Controversy and Scathing Brendan Rodgers Criticism

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has lashed out at the use of VAR following a contentious incident in his team’s 2-1 defeat to Hibernian at Easter Road. The match, which saw Josh Campbell score twice for the home side, was marred by a controversial decision that left Rodgers seething.

The defining moment came in the 83rd minute when Daizen Maeda appeared to have equalized for Celtic. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was controversially ruled out. The reason? It was deemed that the ball had gone out of play just before Maeda struck, despite no clear evidence from the available camera angles to confirm it.

Rodgers was quick to voice his disapproval of the decision, suggesting that the referee, Alan Muir, had made a judgment based on guesswork rather than conclusive evidence. “It’s disappointing,” said Rodgers. “We can’t say the ball was conclusively out. The linesman, who had a clear view, didn’t flag, and yet VAR decided to rule it out.”

The VAR review was conducted without clear enough footage to definitively show that the ball had indeed gone out of play, a fact that Rodgers pointed out during his post-match comments. He criticized the use of technology, emphasizing the need for proper equipment to ensure accuracy in such important decisions. “If we’re going to rely on VAR, we need to have the right angles and equipment to make the right calls,” he said, visibly frustrated by the incident.

While Celtic’s frustration was clear, the team had not been performing at their best. Despite the disallowed goal, Rodgers acknowledged that Celtic’s slow start to the game, including their inability to capitalize on early opportunities, had contributed to their defeat. Hibernian, on the other hand, showed resilience, with Campbell’s brace helping them secure a hard-fought victory, which extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches.

Hibernian’s win was a significant achievement, considering their early struggles in the season. The victory over the defending Scottish champions added to their growing momentum, and they will now look to continue their fine form under manager Lee Johnson.

In conclusion, the controversial VAR decision left Celtic with more questions than answers, with Rodgers’ critique of the technology and refereeing further highlighting the frustrations of the night. As Celtic now look ahead, the focus will be on regaining their rhythm after a disappointing result and ensuring that future VAR decisions are made with the utmost clarity and fairness.

“Chris Sutton Slams Rangers’ Decision to Sack Philippe Clement”

Chris Sutton has expressed his disbelief and frustration following the recent sacking of Philippe Clement, the manager of Rangers FC, following a disappointing run of results. Sutton, a former Celtic striker and now a prominent pundit, took to social media and television to share his thoughts on the decision, which has sent shockwaves through Scottish football.

Clement, who took charge of Rangers in the summer of 2023, had been under increasing pressure after a series of poor performances that left the club trailing rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. Despite having a strong pedigree as a manager, including his success at AS Monaco, Clement’s tenure in Glasgow had been marred by underwhelming displays in both domestic and European competitions. Rangers’ recent losses, including a heavy defeat to Celtic in the Old Firm derby, appeared to be the final straw for the club’s board.

However, Sutton, who is never one to shy away from expressing his opinions, took to Twitter and live broadcasts to voice his astonishment at the club’s decision to part ways with the Belgian coach. In a fiery post, Sutton said, “Rangers have made a massive mistake. Philippe Clement is a manager with experience, and they’ve sacked him after a few bad results? The expectations at that club are unreal. Sacking a manager after a short period like this sends all the wrong signals.”

The pundit, who has often been critical of Rangers’ decision-making in the past, didn’t hold back in highlighting what he perceives as a lack of patience within the club. “They bring in a manager, expect immediate success, and when it doesn’t happen, they pull the trigger way too early. This is a pattern we’ve seen before,” Sutton added. “If they think another manager is the quick fix, they’re in for a rude awakening.”

Sutton’s reaction comes after Clement’s sacking was confirmed late on a Wednesday evening, with Rangers stating that they had parted ways with the manager due to an “inability to meet the high standards expected” at the club. Despite a promising start, Clement’s reign had been overshadowed by inconsistent performances, particularly in crucial matches.

The decision to sack Clement has been met with mixed reactions from Rangers fans, with some supporting the board’s move, citing the club’s underperformance in recent months, while others have echoed Sutton’s concerns, questioning whether the club’s impatience will lead to further instability.

As Rangers now search for a new manager to lead them through the rest of the season, Sutton’s comments have sparked further debate about the expectations placed on managers in top-flight football. With the likes of Steven Gerrard and Giovanni van Bronckhorst having previously left the club under similar circumstances, many are wondering if the board’s expectations are too high, or if the managerial carousel at Ibrox is simply a product of poor planning.

With the sacking of Philippe Clement now a topic of intense discussion across the Scottish football landscape, Chris Sutton’s reaction has added fuel to the fire, further intensifying the debate about managerial stability and expectations at one of Scotland’s biggest clubs. The Rangers board will now be under pressure to make the right appointment to restore confidence and guide the team through what is shaping up to be a tumultuous season.

Hibs’ Arne Engels Channels Celtic Frustrations Toward Aberdeen After VAR Controversy”

Hibernian midfielder Arne Engels has vowed to direct the anger sparked by recent VAR controversies towards Aberdeen, with the Scottish Premiership club gearing up for a fiery encounter against the Dons this weekend. Engels’ comments come after a turbulent sequence of events involving Hibs’ recent matches and a controversial VAR decision that saw Celtic drop points in their own high-profile clash with Hibs.

The drama unfolded in Hibs’ 2-1 loss to Celtic earlier this month, where a late decision by VAR saw a key goal disallowed, leaving Hibs fans furious and feeling robbed. While the fallout from the incident has continued to reverberate throughout the league, Celtic’s frustration over the officiating became a central talking point in Scottish football.

Engels, however, has sought to channel the collective frustration of both Hibs and Celtic supporters. Instead of focusing on the VAR controversy that has sparked so much anger, Engels has shifted the spotlight onto the upcoming match against Aberdeen, a fixture Hibs are determined to win.

“We’ve all felt the sting of those decisions, but it’s time for us to focus on getting the right result. Aberdeen will feel the full force of our frustration,” Engels said in a recent interview. The Belgian midfielder has become a key figure for Hibs, and his leadership will be crucial as the team seeks to regain its form after a series of tight results.

The intense emotions surrounding the VAR drama have clearly galvanized the squad. Coach Lee Johnson has reinforced the need for his players to stay focused and avoid letting external distractions cloud their performance. “The boys know the importance of this game. We can’t let ourselves be consumed by the frustration of what happened earlier in the season. We need to keep our eyes on the prize,” Johnson said.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen, who are known for their physical and combative style of play, are preparing for a stern test. Manager Jim Goodwin has warned his players to expect a hostile atmosphere, particularly after Hibs’ verbal jabs at the Dons in recent interviews.

With tensions running high, the match promises to be a spectacle, as both sides are eager for a win. Hibs will be hoping that the emotion of the situation will propel them forward, while Aberdeen will be looking to weather the storm and earn a much-needed victory on the road.

The VAR controversy continues to be a source of contention in Scottish football, and this latest chapter only adds fuel to the fire. However, for Hibs, the focus now is clear: get the three points and make a statement that will resonate throughout the league. The full force of their fury will be directed squarely at Aberdeen on matchday.