Celtic’s 3–1 win over Motherwell created plenty of discussion, with one key moment dominating the conversation. A VAR intervention changed the course of the match and even sparked debate among commentators.
The controversial incident came midway through the second half following a Celtic corner.
The cross drifted toward the back post where Daizen Maeda had found space behind the Motherwell defence. As the ball dropped invitingly and the Celtic forward prepared to head toward goal from close range, Motherwell defender Emmanuel Longelo wrapped his arms around him and pulled him to the ground.
Referee John Beaton initially waved play on and awarded a goal kick, believing no foul had taken place.
But the situation quickly changed when VAR official Kevin Clancy advised Beaton to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. After watching the replay, the referee overturned his original call, awarding Celtic a penalty and sending Longelo off for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The decision proved to be a turning point in the game.
At the time, the match was finely balanced at 1–1, with Motherwell still firmly in the contest. However, once the penalty was awarded, Tomas Cvancara stepped up and confidently converted from the spot to put Celtic in front.
With Motherwell reduced to ten men, the visitors faced an uphill battle. Celtic later added another goal to secure a 3–1 victory. The result became even more important when Hearts were beaten by Kilmarnock, leaving Celtic just two points behind the top of the Premiership with eight matches remaining.
Despite the replay evidence, not everyone was convinced immediately when the incident happened live.
Speaking during commentary on BBC Sportsound, pundit Stephen Craigan initially questioned the call.
“I think he ducks down. It’s not the force of Longelo that puts him down. I think he goes down himself trying to head the ball.
It’s a big call. It doesn’t look like a penalty, but stranger things have happened.”
His reaction surprised some viewers once the replays were shown.
The footage appeared to clearly show Longelo pulling Maeda down as the Celtic forward attempted to attack the ball at the back post. Without the challenge, Maeda would likely have had a free header from only a few yards out.
That contact is also why the referee issued a red card alongside the penalty, as the foul denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Live commentary often requires instant reactions before all camera angles are available, meaning pundits sometimes make quick judgments in real time.
However, once the replays were examined more closely, the decision looked far more straightforward.
In the end, that VAR intervention proved decisive, turning the momentum of the match and helping Celtic secure an important victory over Motherwell.
