Celtic star Matt O’Riley has revealed how VAR is becoming increasingly frustrating to the team.
The technology was first introduced to Scottish football back in late October but has since came in for a lot of criticism by a number of clubs as is it has missed key decisions.
Many had warned that the New Year’s derby game would likely have something dubious which was proven correctly as Celtic were denied a clear penalty after Carl Starfelt’s shot was blocked by Connor Goldson’s both hands.
For those paying supporters who shell out their hard earned money to watch the Scottish champions, near enough every single goal scored is checked which causes increasing frustration that is also felt by the players on the park.
Ange Postecoglou’s trademark motto at the Hoops since he arrived has been ‘We Never Stop’, but due to the length of time it takes for checks that delays the game, O’Riley believes it gives Celtic’s opponents an upper hand.
In Celtic’s most recent match, Liel Abada’s shot was blocked on the line by a St Mirren handball but it took an age before referee Steven McLean was called over to the monitor to examine the decision which eventually led him to point to the penalty spot and sending off St Mirren defender Richard Taylor.
O’Riley points out, it gives their rivals lots of time to recuperate when Celtic’s game is based on relentlessly pushing the opposition.
“It is frustrating. It takes a really long time. I don’t know what the average time is but it must be over two or three minutes each time,” said O’Riley as quoted by the [Daily Record].
“For us it’s not ideal, especially the way we play and the momentum we have when we’re constantly attacking teams, it gives them a breather as well. The way we’re playing, we’re trying to tire teams out, so it’s a bit frustrating in that sense but at the same time everyone has to deal with it.”
