Keith Hackett argues VAR should not have intervened in Schlupp's injury incident.
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The recent Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hibernian has ignited a heated discussion regarding the role of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in football. Following Celtic’s unexpected 2-1 loss to Hibernian on February 22, 2025, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett expressed his views on the VAR intervention that occurred during the match.
According to Hackett, the VAR should not have intervened in the incident involving Celtic defender Jeffrey Schlupp, who was injured during a challenge by Hibernian’s Rocky Bushiri.
Understanding the incident
During the match, a pivotal moment occurred when Bushiri attempted a shot on goal.
Schlupp, in an effort to block the shot, inadvertently became the victim of a reckless challenge. Bushiri’s follow-through resulted in a dangerous tackle that left Schlupp requiring medical attention. Despite the severity of the challenge, Hackett argues that the referee should have issued a yellow card for the reckless play rather than allowing VAR to intervene. He stated, “The referee should have sanctioned [Rocky Bushiri] with a yellow card for a reckless challenge. VAR frankly should not have got involved.”
The implications of VAR decisions
This incident raises significant questions about the effectiveness and consistency of VAR in football. Critics argue that VAR was designed to eliminate clear and obvious errors, yet its application remains inconsistent across different matches. In this case, the VAR’s involvement in a challenge that Hackett deemed not serious enough for review has led to further scrutiny of the system. The controversy surrounding the VAR decision has overshadowed the match itself, which was filled with thrilling moments and competitive spirit.
Celtic’s performance and future outlook
Celtic’s defeat against Hibernian was particularly disappointing, especially following their recent exit from the Champions League against Bayern Munich. The team struggled to find their rhythm, and the controversial VAR decision only added to their woes. Despite the loss, Celtic maintains a 13-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, thanks in part to Rangers’ unexpected defeat to St Mirren on the same day. As the season progresses, questions remain about the future of Rangers’ management, with Sean Dyche emerging as a potential candidate to replace Philippe Clement.
As discussions about VAR continue, it is clear that the technology’s role in football is still evolving. The need for clarity and consistency in its application is paramount, as teams and fans alike seek fairness in the beautiful game.
