Brendan Rodgers cut a frustrated figure at full-time as Celtic’s 2-1 defeat to Hibernian at Easter Road was marred by a controversial VAR call. The Hoops thought they had salvaged a point when Daizen Maeda tapped home a loose ball, only for the goal to be ruled out for the ball allegedly going out of play in the build-up.
While the decision came from the VAR room, Rodgers was left seeking answers from the officials on the pitch as the final whistle blew. Not something the manager tends to do, even if Celtic have been hard done by during a game.
Celtic had endured a nightmare start at Easter Road, conceding within two minutes as Hibs sliced through their midfield with alarming ease. A ball fizzed into Triantis allowed him to pick out Josh Campbell’s run, and with Auston Trusty caught high up the pitch, Campbell finished past Kasper Schmeichel. The early goal set the tone for a lacklustre first half, where the visitors struggled to find any rhythm.
The Hoops had chances to respond, but they lacked a cutting edge. Adam Idah, who has been tasked with leading the line since Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure, failed to do much of anything.
Just as Celtic looked to limp into the break only a goal down, Campbell struck again. Boyle had all the time he needed to deliver a pinpoint cross, and with Trusty playing him onside, Campbell’s header doubled the hosts’ lead.
Rodgers wasted no time at the break, making three changes to inject life into his side. It almost paid off immediately, with Callum McGregor’s shot whistling past the post. Schmeichel continued to keep Celtic in the game with a sharp save from a Newell header, as defensive lapses remained a theme.
Maeda’s persistence was finally rewarded as he pounced on a miscued Reo Hatate shot to prod home, giving Celtic hope. Minutes later, Jota nearly completed a sensational counter-attack, running the length of the pitch and rounding the goalkeeper, only for Bushiri to clear off the line.
Celtic thought they had their equaliser when Maeda struck again, but VAR intervened. Alistair Johnston’s work to keep the ball in play was deemed out of play, and despite inconclusive replays, the goal was chalked off. The decision left Rodgers exasperated and searching for clarity.
Despite the defeat, Celtic maintained their 13-point lead at the top of the table, as Rangers failed to capitalise. A surprise 2-0 home defeat to St Mirren just hours later meant the gap remained unchanged, offering a small consolation to the Hoops as they shift focus to getting back on track.
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