Celtic have launched a scathing attack on the implementation of VAR in Scotland after their appeal against Auston Trusty’s red card was dismissed by an independent panel.
The 27-year-old defender was sent off for violent conduct following an incident with Hibernian’s Jamie McGrath during the Hoops’ 2-1 defeat last weekend. The decision means Trusty will now serve a three-match ban, missing Sunday’s high-stakes Old Firm derby at Ibrox, as well as league clashes against Aberdeen and Motherwell.
“Re-Refereeing” the Game
In an unusually blunt statement, Celtic expressed their “huge disappointment,” claiming that match audio proves the referee originally intended to take no action.
According to the club, referee Don Robertson was heard saying, “It’s nothing, I’m just going to speak to them,” before VAR intervened. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill also confirmed this was the explanation given to him on the touchline.
“VAR again decided to intervene to ‘re-referee’ an initial decision,” the statement read. “Recent games demonstrate a serious issue with VAR and its current deployment which needs urgently reviewed.”
St Mirren Success
While Celtic’s appeal fell on deaf ears, St Mirren were successful in their challenge. Defender Richard King had his red card from Saturday’s 5-0 loss to Motherwell overturned. Unlike the Trusty incident, VAR notably did not intervene in King’s case, despite the referee acting on the advice of his assistant.
King is now free to face Livingston this weekend, while O’Neill is left with a defensive headache for the trip to Govan.
🗳️ FITBA FOCUS POLL: HAS VAR GONE TOO FAR?
Celtic claim the technology is being used to overrule clear decisions made by the man on the pitch. We want to hear from you:
- Was Trusty’s red card a “clear and obvious” error?
- Is the “match audio” revelation a game-changer for how VAR is handled?
Get involved in the debate in our new WhatsApp group! https://chat.whatsapp.com/InYlIKE4Qb70IxjLrmOFbT?mode=gi_t
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
