Celtic appear to have had the final word on Wednesday night’s VAR drama after releasing new behind-the-goal footage of the late penalty incident against Motherwell.
The Premiership title race was thrown into chaos at Fir Park when referee John Beaton awarded Celtic a stoppage-time penalty following a VAR review deep into added time.
Since then, debate around the decision has dominated Scottish football.
Kris Boyd, Derek McInnes and the Foundation of Hearts all questioned the award, while social media spent most of Thursday arguing over whether Sam Nicholson handled the ball during his challenge with Auston Trusty inside the box.
Now Celtic have released fresh footage from directly behind the goal which appears to show the ball clearly striking Nicholson’s raised hand before spinning away.
The angle is far cleaner than the original television pictures shown during the live broadcast and has quickly spread online among supporters.
From that view, it becomes easier to understand why VAR advised John Beaton to review the incident at the monitor.
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The biggest argument from those opposing the decision had been uncertainty over whether the ball actually touched Nicholson’s hand at all. The new footage seems to remove much of that doubt.
Nicholson’s arm is also above shoulder height as he challenges Trusty in the air, which was another key factor in the referee eventually pointing to the spot.
The reaction online has predictably been fierce again.
Some rival supporters still insist Nicholson could do little with his arm position because of the physical battle with Trusty. Others have now accepted the ball did strike his hand but disagree with the interpretation of the law itself.
From Celtic’s side, though, the release of the footage feels deliberate.
The club have stayed mostly quiet publicly while criticism built around the decision over the last 24 hours. Instead of entering the wider debate directly, the footage largely speaks for itself.
It also arrives at a time when pressure around officiating has intensified before Saturday’s title decider.
Hearts manager Derek McInnes heavily criticised the award after Wednesday’s matches, while the Foundation of Hearts later released a statement raising concerns about recent VAR calls.
Celtic now move into the final day knowing a win over Hearts seals the title.
And after a day of arguments over the penalty, the club may feel the latest footage finally wraps up at least part of the controversy.
you wish.
sweep sweep.
now people will see it is not just Rangers fans complaining about tim-friendly refs.
Thats a positive thing at least.
going for 5, hun?
almost all the referees in scotland are well know for their support of ragers as was dallas in var dugout , it was a penalty, you may not like it but that is it , who will win on Saturday is your real fear , sort out your fears and you might just end up happier
It’s hilarious. So bitter and bigoted they cannot accept what their eyes show them!! Sam Nicholson (ex hearts) apparently swearing on his kids life that he didnt handle it, his wean must be looking at the photos and wetting himself!!! It’s as clear as day
Not a word of discussion about the player raising his hand/arm up towards the ball thus giving the ref and var people a decision to make. Then again, talking about this doesn’t suit their anti-celtic agenda.
the world is wrong.
tims are right.
Celtic do not need to prove anything. The match officials awarded the penalty and it is their call and their call alone. I’m sure Mr Collum will be on YouTube doing the VAR podcast and explaining the decision to all the moaners. Also it does make it an exciting finish to the league. If Hearts are good enough they will get at least the draw they need. Looking forward to the match. Hope Celtic win but they will need to play better than last night.