The flashpoint came when Alistair Johnston whipped in a cross from the by-line, with Maeda poking the ball past Jordan Smith. The on-field officials awarded the goal, but VAR intervened, leading to the decision being overturned on the grounds that the ball had gone out of play before the cross.
However, with no clear camera angle available to conclusively determine whether the ball was fully over the line, the decision has sparked huge debate.
Former Rangers winger Neil McCann has weighed in on the controversy, insisting the goal should have stood due to the lack of definitive proof.
“You can’t tell. If a fraction of the ball is overhanging the line, it should be a goal. Both of the on-field officials have made a decision that they feel that a bit of the ball is in play.
“Therefore, I believe that the goal should stand. To the naked eye, it can look out at full speed, but VAR can’t overrule that.
“I can’t argue that all of the ball is across the line. The officials should have been backed up. The linesman has got the best view out of the officials – are the cameras any better than that? They’re not.”
Celtic have been left frustrated by the lack of goal-line technology in Scottish football, which would have given a clear and definitive answer. Instead, VAR official Alan Muir had to make a judgment call, despite inconclusive evidence. In other words, he guessed.
With the SFA’s KMI Panel set to review the decision on Friday, and Willie Collum expected to address the controversy on the next VAR Review Show, Celtic will be demanding answers as they look to move on from the setback.
Rodgers’ side remain 13 points clear at the top of the Premiership, but this decision will undoubtedly remain a talking point for some time.
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