On a sunlit afternoon at Celtic Park, the atmosphere was electric as fans rejoiced in a well-deserved 2-0 triumph for their beloved Hoops against Hibernian in the Scottish Cup quarter-final. The highlight of the match came in the 91st minute when Luke McCowan’s precise cut-back found Adam Idah, who calmly slot the ball home, securing the victory for Celtic. What made this moment even more special wasn’t just the goal itself, but the fact that VAR, under the stewardship of Kevin Clancy, played a crucial role in ensuring that the ball was kept in play. This attention to detail, a stark contrast to previous controversies, gave fans a sense of relief as they watched their team advance to the semi-finals.
Reflecting on the victory, it was impossible not to draw comparisons to a recent incident involving Daizen Maeda’s disallowed goal in the previous encounter with Hibernian at Easter Road. The controversy surrounding that decision, which was later overturned by the KMI panel, had left a bitter taste in the mouths of Celtic supporters. However, this time around, the VAR officials, led by Clancy, made sure to avoid any similar missteps, showcasing the progress made in ensuring accurate and fair decisions are made with the help of technology.
The celebration of this pivotal moment extended beyond the pitch, with Celtic fans taking to social media to humorously acknowledge the absence of Alan Muir, the VAR official from the previous contentious call. The lighthearted banter served as a reminder of the importance of getting decisions right and the role technology plays in achieving that goal. As the Hoops look ahead to the Scottish Cup semi-finals, fans are hopeful for more drama-free victories, with VAR continuing to play a key role in maintaining the integrity of the game.
In the grand scheme of things, the win over Hibernian was not just about securing a spot in the semi-finals but also about Celtic’s pursuit of a domestic treble this season. With success in both remaining domestic competitions within reach, fans are optimistic for more moments of celebration on the pitch and fewer instances of controversy off it. As the season reaches its business end, one thing is clear: Celtic supporters are hopeful for a successful end to the campaign, with the aid of VAR ensuring that the right decisions are made when it matters most.
