Celtic enjoyed a convincing 6-0 victory at McDiarmid Park, yet Daizen Maeda’s disallowed first-half goal continues to spark controversy after the SFA’s Key Match Incident panel upheld the decision to annul it.
Maeda, who later scored in the second half, initially appeared to have opened the scoring with a stunning strike, only to have it ruled out by VAR.
The incident occurred following a Celtic free-kick from the right wing, which fell to Maeda, who expertly volleyed the ball into the top corner. However, VAR intervened, citing a foul by Celtic centre-back Auston Trusty in the build-up.
The alleged foul stemmed from a collision between Trusty and a St Johnstone defender as both players pursued the ball.
Referee Don Robertson was summoned to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, leading to dismay among the Celtic faithful when Maeda’s goal was disallowed.
Many supporters were left puzzled, as the clash appeared to be a routine contest for possession, lacking clear foul play.
The SFA panel later confirmed that VAR’s intervention was justified, reaching a majority decision of 4-1 in favour of the ruling.
While they acknowledged that the initial on-field decision was incorrect, the panel ultimately agreed with VAR’s conclusion to disallow the goal.
Interestingly, one dissenting voice believed the goal should have been allowed, further highlighting the contentious nature of the ruling.
In their official statement, the panel commented: “The panel discussed this decision at length, with the majority (4:1) deeming the on-field decision incorrect… The majority (4:1) believed VAR was correct to intervene and disallow the goal.”
Many Celtic fans are baffled by the decision, arguing that Trusty did not commit a foul and suggesting that it was the St Johnstone player who initiated contact.
Despite the disallowed goal having no bearing on the final outcome, it has left supporters frustrated, viewing it as yet another questionable refereeing decision in a season already marred by inconsistencies.
The debate over the incident underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding VAR’s role in Scottish football.