There were many talking points from Celtic watching their 100% start to the new Premiership season end on Saturday at Parkhead.
Aberdeen, who had also lost their perfect start, and Celtic drew 2-2 as the two traded blows throughout the match. Not only were there goals during the match, but VAR also played its part, with the away side having a third goal chalked off and a penalty appeal being waved away for the champions.
Given how strongly these two teams have started, the game could have easily petered out to a bore-fest, but that wasn’t the case.
The Bhoys took a 2-0 lead at the half, and Arne Engels’ spectacular strike against the woodwork gave them even more.
But with more goals, Celtic’s error, and questionable VAR decisions in the second half, the drama levels escalated even further.
Duk’s and Alistair Johnston’s involvement in VAR calls during Celtic’s draw with Aberdeen
Neil McCann saw the part Alistair Johnston played, but the man at the core of it all was Aberdeen’s hitman Duk, who entered the game in the second half.
The Dons believed they had a third goal after tying the score at the hour mark, but the referee and VAR determined that the ball struck Duk’s arm before going straight into the net.
According to McCann, who spoke to Sportscene, Johnston demonstrated “great vision” because he recognised it right away despite not being in the centre of the action.
After that, it was Celtic’s turn for drama, involving Johnston and Duk once more.
The player from Aberdeen stopped the fullback’s effort on the line, and McCann said the Celtic guy was off celebrating when he realised the ball wasn’t going to cross the goal line.
McCann responded, “That’s right, that’s why it’s there,” on the Aberdeen goal’s exclusion. It won’t be awarded if it lands on the attacker’s or goal scorer’s arm and goes straight to the goal.
“Alistair Johnston is immediately visible to you. He has excellent vision because he is practically facing it, but he may be able to tell if it is coming from Duk’s elbow or lower arm by feeling with his eyes or by using his peripheral vision.
Celtic penalty appeal and Duk block: “They are saying it comes off the arm, it’s really difficult,” McCann continued. “If it does, it ricochets against the body after coming off my leg and upper thigh first.” However, Alistair Johnston has teased out how he found himself, positioned himself there, and then kept his arms out of the way. He is justified in his celebration.
After the draw between Aberdeen and Celtic, Michael Stewart queries the VAR call.
Regarding tHowever, when discussing the game, various BBC experts had different opinions.
Stewart questions how the handball rule was broken by the authorities and wants an explanation for Aberdeen’s goal against Celtic that was thrown out. VAR calls, there weren’t many complaints from either side’s supporters overall.
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