Ex-refs chief blasts VAR after re-analysing controversy in Celtic vs Hearts clash

Auston Trusty was shown a straight red card in Sunday’s action-packed clash 2-2 draw between Celtic and Hearts.

Celtic travelled to Hearts needing to beat the Scottish Premiership leaders to close the gap at the top of the table, but they were denied in the final minutes.

Benjamin Nygren‘s early free-kick had given the Bhoys the lead, before Stuart Findley equalised with a header after the break.

Celtic signed Tomas Cvancara just last week, and the striker got off to the perfect start when he provided the assist for Hyun-Jun Yang to give Martin O’Neill‘s side the lead.

Hearts are without Lawrence Shankland, and it showed, with Claudio Braga finally finding the equaliser against a 10-man Celtic in the 87th minute.

Keith Hackett weighs in on Auston Trusty red card

Trusty had already endured a shaky game against Hearts up until his dismissal in the second half.

The American’s sloppy control allowed Alexandros Kiziridis a one-versus-one situation in the first half, but Kasper Schmeichel came out on top.

There was nothing to bail Trusty out when he pulled down Pierre Landry Kabore in the second half, however. Steve McLean had originally awarded a yellow card, but overturned his decision on VAR review.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett said: “I do not think that VAR should have intervened, for in my opinion, referee Steven McLean has made the correct call of issuing a yellow card.

“Going to the screen the referee should have maintained his original call. My reasoning is that when judging the denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity, the following criteria has to be considered.”

“The following must be considered:

• “Distance between the offence and the goal.
• “General direction of the play.
• “Likelihood of keeping or gaining control of the ball.
• “Location and number of defenders.

“When considering this offence, the direction of the ball and play is away from goal and that part of the criteria is not fulfilled.

“I also have taken into account the strong possibility that a defender may well come into play, considering their movement. Not DOGSO. Not a red card offence.”

What Martin O’Neill said about Trusty’s red card

Trusty’s red card was highly controversial, with the moment undoubtedly allowing Hearts a route back into the game.

The home side had enjoyed plenty of chances throughout the clash, but were free to rain down shots on Schmeichel’s goal against a 10-man Celtic.

“I did have an argument with the red card,” O’Neill said after the final whistle. “The referee has given a yellow card. Obviously, VAR’s re-refereeing the game.

“First of all, the ball is going away from goal, so the player has to get a hold of that and control it. And secondly, and more importantly, is that we’ve got someone covering.

“That’s what the referee saw in the first place and he was pretty close to it. It puts you under severe pressure in the last 20-odd minutes.”

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