After nearly defeating Bayern Munich in their own backyard in midweek, there were high hopes that Celtic would put in another stellar display when they took to the pitch next, against Hibernian at Easter Road. But it turned out to be completely opposite, as they lost 2-1 against the home side, who have been on a great run lately.
Hibernian went into the break two goals up. Celtic had a decent response in the second half. Daizen Maeda reduced the margin.
And then, the Japanese forward had the ball in the back of the net once again, in what would have been Celtic's equaliser. Unfortunately, the goal was chalked off.
That turned out to be the big talking point of the game. Hibernian players claimed that the ball had crossed the byline before Alistair Johnston cut it back. VAR checked the goal and ruled that it had gone over and that the strike shouldn't stand.
Unhappy Brendan Rodgers makes blunt claim after Celtic loss
Brendan Rodgers was clearly not happy with that particular decision after the game. As reported by Hibs Observer, the Celtic manager said:
"I’m hoping to see conclusive evidence that the ball was out. The linesman on this side had his flag up quite a lot today but for the goal he probably had one of the best views in the ground and he kept his flag down, which tells me that he felt it was in, and not all of the ball goes out.
“If that’s the case then you’ve got to go and review it with VAR but then you’re taking an angle from the 18-yard line. If you’re taking the angle from the 18-yard line, and you can tell me that you can absolutely see it 100%, then you’re having a guess - and these are big games to be guessing, especially at this point in the season."
With Celtic enjoying a significant lead in the Premiership title race right now, this decision might not end up having a major impact on how things look come the end of the campaign. But in a different season, if things were closer, such a call might have proven to be vital.
With VAR now available, there should not be such controversial decisions in the game. Whenever such calls are made, the referees have to be absolutely certain that they are making the correct decision.
Fortunately, the Rangers were once again unsuccessful in taking advantage of Celtic's slip-up. Philippe Clement's side lost at home, 2-0 at the hands of St Mirren. So, the gap stands as it was entering the matchday.