Celtic have officially been vindicated after the Scottish Football Association admitted that a major VAR error was made during their dramatic 2-1 victory over Hibernian — and fans are absolutely furious.
The controversy came at a crucial stage of the match with the score locked at 1-1, in a moment that could have completely changed the outcome of the game far earlier than it eventually did.
Benjamin Nygren appeared to be clearly impeded inside the penalty area after a challenge from Hibs midfielder Josh Campbell. As the Celtic attacker tried to cut the ball back from near the byline, Campbell was seen using both hands to prevent him from continuing his run, sending Nygren crashing to the ground while the ball was still in play.
Despite furious appeals from Celtic players, supporters, and coaching staff, referee Nick Walsh waved play on.
Even more astonishingly, VAR decided not to intervene.
Now, in a huge admission that will only increase pressure on Scottish officiating standards, the SFA’s own Key Match Incidents panel has confirmed that BOTH decisions were wrong.
“The panel unanimously agreed that the on-field decision was incorrect,” the official report stated.
“The panel highlighted VAR should have intervened to recommend an OFR and a penalty should have been awarded.”
That single statement has exploded across social media, with Celtic supporters demanding answers over how such a clear incident was ignored in real time.
What makes the situation even more damaging for officials is the fact the panel’s verdict was unanimous. Former referees, pundits, and football figures involved in reviewing the incident all reached the exact same conclusion — Celtic should have had a penalty.
There was no split opinion.
No debate.
No uncertainty.
Just a clear acknowledgement that the officials got it badly wrong.
For many Celtic fans, this latest admission feels like another chapter in an increasingly frustrating season filled with VAR inconsistencies and controversial decisions.
Supporters have repeatedly voiced concerns over the standard of officiating in major Scottish Premiership matches, and this latest incident will only intensify those frustrations.
The timing of the mistake could also prove massive in the context of the title race.
With every goal potentially decisive at this stage of the campaign, Celtic supporters will argue that being denied a clear penalty may have impacted not only the result but also the goal difference battle that could ultimately separate the top sides.
Had the Hoops been awarded the spot-kick at 1-1, they may have gone on to comfortably overpower a Hibernian side reduced to ten men later in the match.
Instead, the game remained tense deep into the second half before Celtic finally found the breakthrough.
Questions are now being asked once again about the effectiveness of VAR in Scottish football.
If officials reviewing the footage days later can unanimously conclude that it was a clear penalty, fans are wondering how the technology failed to spot it during the game itself.
The incident has reignited the wider debate over accountability for referees and VAR operators, with many supporters insisting apologies and reports are no longer enough.
Celtic may have secured all three points in the end — but the SFA’s explosive admission has ensured the controversy surrounding this match is far from over.
