Celtic’s hard-fought 2-1 victory at Easter Road has reignited debate about the handball law, as Liam Scales was punished in the second half.
The defender was found to have handled the ball while attempting to clear a corner, and referee Nick Walsh first waved play on before being advised by VAR to review the incident.
The result gave Hibs a chance to get back into the game, though Celtic eventually held their composure and won all three points.
The moment itself was chaotic and packed, with the ball bouncing through a swarm of bodies before hitting Scales.
Walsh had little interest in pointing to the spot until VAR demanded a second look. Once he had walked the short distance to the monitor, the decision instantly went against Celtic. Martin Boyle duly converted, setting up a tense conclusion in a game Celtic had earlier dominated.
It did not take long for the conversation to turn from the incident to the larger issues surrounding the handball law.
The inconsistent manner in which these judgments are made, both live and after VAR intervention, has been a source of dissatisfaction for players, supporters, and managers across the league. Celtic have been on the losing end of several close calls this season, and Saturday’s incident added to a growing list.
That dissatisfaction was shared by two former Scottish FA referees who spoke out after the game. Des Roache and Steve Conroy spoke on the decision via the ‘The Ref’s View’ account on X.
Their remarks provided a rare, unvarnished perspective from people who have worked under the pressure of high-level officiating, and their appraisal cut right to the heart of the matter.
Their comments summarized the major issue with handball in the VAR era: no one knows where the line is anymore.
Roache and Conroy understood why Walsh eventually pointed to the spot, demonstrating how the law can be applied in a very strict, technical manner. However, they also noted that more obvious handballs frequently go unpunished, adding to the impression that these verdicts are becoming impossible to predict.
The Scales incident demonstrated exactly why people become so frustrated. The ball raced through a slew of players, giving him only a split second to respond.
In real time, it appeared unintentional, but in slow motion, it always appears more deliberate than it actually is. So many of these debates begin with the difference between what happens on the pitch and what VAR sees in freeze-frames.
Celtic handled the fallout admirably, digging in over the final moments to ensure the decision did not alter the outcome. They demonstrated the perseverance that has seen them through a difficult run of games. Nonetheless, the penalty altered the tone of the match.
Many people support Roache and Conroy’s plea for increased transparency. VAR has given officials new options, but it has not made matters any clearer for those watching.
When previous referees believe the system requires more guidance and consistency, it demonstrates how chaotic the situation has become. Celtic may have won, but the handball argument will not go away, and the pressure on the authorities to resolve it will only increase.
Many people support Roache and Conroy’s plea for increased transparency. VAR has given officials new options, but it has not made matters any clearer for those watching.
When previous referees believe the system requires more guidance and consistency, it demonstrates how chaotic the situation has become. Celtic may have won, but the handball argument will not go away, and the pressure on the authorities to resolve it will only increase.
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