Michael Stewart surprises with Celtic VAR verdict

Michael Stewart has surprised many with his latest stance on VAR, particularly given his never-ending criticism of the system and the officials who operate it.

The former midfielder has rarely held back in the past, even finding himself at odds with the SFA over his outspoken views, but his assessment of the flashpoint involving Hibernian against Celtic has certainly raised eyebrows.

The incident in question centred on Joe Newell’s goal at Easter Road, with Celtic supporters adamant there was a handball in the build-up and expecting VAR to intervene.

Instead, the goal stood.

While Kris Boyd acknowledged that VAR may have made a mistake, Stewart took a different view, arguing the footage simply wasn’t clear enough to overturn the on-field decision.

“When you see the replay, you can see Joe Newell’s white sleeve ruffles. There’s clearly been a bit of contact, which would be the t-shirt line.

“Anything after that, I don’t think you can definitively say one way or another. My gut is that it hits just above his hip and his thigh is my instinct.

“The t-shirt line is obviously not a handball. Anything after that, I just think you’ve got to stick with the on-field decision, personally.

“Inconclusive enough not to overrule the goal? Yes. I think it hits almost his ribs and then his thigh. I just think the goal was given and I don’t think there’s enough conclusive evidence to overrule it.

“To be consistent here, I don’t want to see goals chopped off for decisions you think, ‘What? Really?’.

“This is a difficult one for VAR, and to be honest, I think it was probably the right call because I don’t think it was clear enough for anyone to say that’s 100 per cent, definitively a handball. I think it’s catching his ribs, rolling down to his thigh.

“I appreciate others see it differently, but I just think it’s inconclusive.”

It’s a notable shift in tone – maybe he wants his ban lifted from the national stadium.

For a pundit who has often led the charge against VAR, this defence of the system – and its application in a key moment – will not sit well with many Celtic supporters.

The goal stood, despite protests. I dare say that Willie Collum will come out and explain it and say ‘we’ve spoken to the refs’ despite goals, for almost identical situations, being chopped off earlier in the season.