Robbie Neilson admits Hearts would have needed a 'decapitation' to get a red card awarded against Celtic and that it was a 'shambles'.
The Jambos boss says only a beheading would have resulted in Ange Postecoglou's side losing a man during the 3-1 defeat to the Scottish champions on Wednesday. Josh Ginnelly fired a shock opener at Parkhead in an attempt to spoil Postecoglou's 100th game in charge but the response was strong from the Hoops with Daizen Maeda, Kyogo and Sead Haksabanovic all on target.
There was a flashpoint involving Hoops defender Alexandro Bernabei who received a yellow card for a challenge on Nathaniel Atkinson that VAR official Nick Walsh did review for a potential red card. A short moment later there was to be no further action but one that did raise eyebrows by pundits.
READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou in Celtic 'make allowances' admission as boss lauds 'really good' Hearts approach
And the Hearts boss believes there was fat chance of a red being awarded against the champions. He blasted VAR by saying: "I thought it was a shambles the whole thing.
"The first time I’ve ever seen no yellow card but it goes to a VAR for serious foul play. I’m sure Alan [Muir] will see it tonight and be disappointed by his own decision and, secondly, that he wasn’t asked to go and look at the VAR screen because I think if he goes and sees it, it’s maybe a different decision and a different outcome.
“Usually when you come to Parkhead, you need decapitation before they get a red card against them. It wasn’t to be today. It was nearly a leg off. There was a really bad tackle and the referee never booked him, and it went to VAR. Look, it’s happened, I’m sure Alan will be really disappointed by it. It’s not really his fault.
“My opinion he’s got to at least book him. But you’ve got to think VAR’s got to go ‘Alan go and have a look at that, see what you think.’ And it might have been different. You will all see it and go….hmmm.
“You’re guess is as good as mine. To be honest, just make the right decision. Have consistency in it. For me, if it is serious foul play, go and have a look at it.
“There were a lot of positives to take. For 80 minutes we were outstanding. The players put Celtic under a massive amount of pressure and you could see the crowd starting to turn. But we got beaten and we want to come here and win."
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