Celtic take VAR row to the SFA as Dermot Gallagher names real reason Johnston cut back 'caught out' officials
The Daizen Maeda no goal against Hibs left Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers fuming after the full-time whistle at Easter Road
Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Celtic have been in contact with the SFA over the decision to rule out Daizen Maeda's second strike against Hibs.
It was a tough afternoon in the capital for the Scottish Premiership leaders as they slumped to defeat at Easter Road thanks to Josh Campbell's double - despite Maeda getting on the scoresheet in the second half. However, things could have been very different for the Hoops had Maeda levelled in the closing stages at Easter Road.
Alistair Johnston rushed to keep a pass from Nicolas Kuhn from going out for a goal kick - and would square the ball for the goalscorer to find the net again. However, Alan Muir in the VAR room would step in to overrule the on-field referee Steven McLean and chalk off the goal - after the man in the middle awarded the goal.
Rodgers fumed after the full-time whistle with images appearing to show no clear view of the ball trickling out before Johnston's cross - which would limit VAR's ability to intervene. Asked by Sky Sports if there had been any contract with Scottish football's governing body over the decision, Rodgers said: "I think the club have had that.
"There is obviously a process, so between the club and the SFA we will speak but there is not a great deal we can do about it now. But at this point today, there is nothing conclusive. I think all the images we have seen prove that."
Former Premier League whistler Dermot Gallagher confessed that the VAR team could not find an angle where the whole ball is out, backing up the Celtic boss on Sky Sports' Ref Watch. He said: "Well, the assistant couldn't tell for two reasons. A) He's caught out by the speed of the move for a start. And secondly, because Johnston's body covers where the ball actually is, so it's a really, really tough call.
"So the VAR has to look and be convinced that the whole ball is over the line, which bearing in mind how big the ball is, that's a big, big call. But they said it was out."