The VAR conundrum has left Celtic icon Davie Hay scratching his head as he navigates the perplexing landscape of Scottish football since the introduction of the new technology in October 2022.
Having experienced a distinguished career spanning football terrains across borders and international stages, including the pinnacle of a World Cup appearance in 1974, the 76-year-old Hay finds himself bewildered by the constant interruptions and mystifying outcomes delivered by the officials peering at the multiple screens.
In an exclusive conversation with longtime friend and author Alex Gordon, Hay, known for his bestselling autobiography ‘The Quiet Assassin,’ expresses his apprehensions for Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic squad as they gear up for the crucial phase of the season.
Reflecting on Celtic’s emphatic 7-1 triumph over Dundee as a potential turning point, Hay remarks, “I was taken aback by my former club’s performance. The energy levels were exceptional right from the get-go, showcasing impeccable movement and coordination among the players.”
Highlighting Celtic’s struggle to convert dominance into goals, Hay recalls pivotal matches like the stalemate against St Johnstone early in the season, following a disappointing League Cup exit to Kilmarnock. Despite relentless pressure on the opposition goal, finishing remained a persistent challenge, illustrated by memorable saves denying their prolific attacker Matt O’Riley.
Optimistic about Celtic’s prospects, Hay remarks, “When Celtic hit their stride, they stand unrivaled in the country. I believed we were on the cusp of a triumphant run to reclaim the title and stake a claim in the Scottish Cup, with the potential to add more silverware to their illustrious collection.”
As Celtic aims to reignite their championship-winning form, Davie Hay remains a keen observer, hopeful that the team can overcome setbacks and return to their dominant ways, poised to add another chapter of success to their storied legacy.
“I’ve learned that nothing can be assumed in this game, especially when it comes to VAR decisions. Following the convincing win against Dundee, there was no way to predict how the VAR calls would go in the next match against Hearts.
In the past, I’ve been fined by the SFA for questioning referee quality, but those days are behind me. I advocated for neutral referees in Old Firm matches due to some puzzling decisions against us. Although I can’t recall if I faced repercussions for speaking out, my frequent visits to their headquarters might have led to fines or reprimands.
Surprisingly, I never faced disciplinary meetings as a player because I was never shown a red card, despite being known as ‘The Quiet Assassin.’ However, as a manager, I didn’t hold back, which often resulted in financial penalties from the SFA for exercising my right to freedom of speech.
I empathize with Brendan Rodgers. While I doubt he needs my sympathy, I understand the frustration he faces. Questioning VAR officials Beaton and Robertson after the Tynecastle game was justified. Their decisions were not just incompetent but bewildering to any neutral observer.
The red card given to Yang Hyun-jun was unjustifiable—he received a ban for a non-aggressive high boot, initiated by the Hearts player. Celtic’s appeal was dismissed, continuing the pattern of unjust outcomes.
The penalty decision against Tomoki Iwata was utterly absurd. No Hearts player appealed for it, and the match officials failed to spot the incident initially. The subsequent conversion of that penalty cost us dearly.
Decisions like these tarnish the essence of football, especially when VAR fails to rectify clear errors. It’s disheartening to witness such injustices in the game.”
Now, it has been reported that Crawford Allan has resigned from his position as chief referee by ‘mutual consent.’
“I may not be aware of the happenings on the sixth floor at Hampden, but I find it hard to believe that Allan’s resignation and the ongoing VAR issues are not linked.
“Celtic currently maintains a one-point lead with eight league games remaining, but that lead could have been four points if the Tynecastle match hadn’t ended due to refereeing decisions.
“Let’s hope that my former club doesn’t face more controversy involving match officials before the season ends. I remember expressing the same hope back in the eighties.”
