Celtic have been raging at VAR decisions this season but rivals reckon their pressure on the beaks paid off with their let off at Hampden on Saturday.
Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes labelled the clumsy late challenge from Giorgos Giakoumakis as a stonewaller and Hotline callers are convinced the call was made because of Hoops moaning. Steve Macleod, Wokingham, said: “Celtic’s emergency VAR meeting might be merited after all. I trust they’ll ‘even things out’ and put Maeda’s handball and the rugby tackle non-penalty this weekend first on the agenda.”
Rab Hunter, Dumfries, said: “Well, well, well, Willie Collum failed to give a penalty against Celtic in a major cup game. Where’s the paranoia and conspiracy theories now, or is this different? Let’s guess, this will be part of the evening up process. No it’s not – it’s wrong, yet again.”
Ian McKendrick, via email, said: “I'm assuming VAR was okay for Celtic’s goal?” and Killie fan Jim McClean, Rothesay, said: “It was a stonewall penalty, why was it not checked because it would have meant extra time and wee Willie wanted in out of the wind and rain. It was disgraceful, he should have been downgraded years ago. He just does not like Killie for some reason.”
Richard Wharton, Carlisle, said: “Please give it a rest Killie. Willie Collum didn't think it was a penalty, VAR didn't intervene, so it was no penalty. Remember Celtic had two goals disallowed so get over it.
Celtic fan Robbie Devlin felt his side were hard done by and said: "Do we have different rules in Scotland? Last week Mo Salah, clearly offside standing two yards from the defender when the ball was played, is deemed onside because the defender touches it.
“Yesterday a shot hits a defender and falls to Reo Hatate 10 yards away but is deemed offside. You couldn’t make it up.”
John Caw said: “It appeared to be a penalty for Killie but all those shouting didn’t see the one at the other end. Kyogo was manhandled yet Collum ignored that and gave a foul against Carter-Vickers for pushing.”
But David Bryce, Troon, said: “Celtic got away with one against Killie. They were the stronger, more aggressive side. Celtic were awful and had two huge liabilities in Bernabei and Starfelt. Killie should have had a penalty too.”
There are mixed fortunes in the Capital at present. Hearts are flying high and signing promising players, but Hibs are struggling to get going and the punters are getting restless.
Kevin Lord, Drylaw, said: “Hibs fans will – rightly – vote with their feet. Count the green seats in the Hibs end for a home Scottish cup tie against Hearts – and watch the reaction from the suits.”
But Jambo Ian Jardine, Brechin, said: “It's good to see Hearts consolidating third spot but they had a bit of luck when the ball hit Rowles hand near the end of the game. St Mirren should have been awarded a penalty.”
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