Celtic VAR explanation emerges after ‘baffling’ St Johnstone decision

Martin O’Neill’s side maintained their perfect domestic start with a 1-0 victory at McDiarmid Park, with Mika Baur’s first Celtic goal proving the difference.

However, the Hoops felt their winning margin should have been greater after Haissem Hassan saw a second-half effort ruled out in controversial circumstances.

Sebastian Tounekti chipped the ball towards the back post before Kasper Høgh appeared to keep it alive with a header across goal, allowing Hassan to finish.

Referee Matthew MacDermid indicated that the ball had already crossed the byline before Høgh made contact, with St Johnstone consequently awarded a goal-kick.

Replays subsequently circulated on social media appearing to suggest Høgh had managed to keep the ball in play, leaving many Celtic supporters frustrated by the decision.

However, VAR could not conclusively check the incident because the ball briefly disappeared from the top-right corner of the available camera frame between Tounekti’s cross and Høgh making contact.

That meant officials were unable to determine whether a clear and obvious error had been made and the on-field decision had to stand.

Watching the replay during Sky Sports’ coverage, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton said: “The ball goes out of the picture for a second… maybe it curled heavily back in.”

Sutton later posted on social media: “Clean sheet and another big 3 points for Celtic. Frustrating final ball in the first half. Got there in the end.

“Baur neat and tidy with the all important goal.

“Maybe unfortunate not to win by more after a baffling decision by the assistant when he thought the ball went out…

Sky Sports lead commentator Ian Crocker later explained why VAR was unable to overturn the call, saying: “Because the ball went out of the camera frame, VAR had to stick with the on-field decision.”

It was another unusual VAR talking point involving Celtic just days after their eventful win over St Mirren, although Baur’s goal ensured the decision ultimately did not cost O’Neill’s side any points in Perth.