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Former ref Roache shuts down the nonsense about Celtic being “top because of VAR.”

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It’s always a treat when ex-Ibrox types and former referees clash publicly, especially when Celtic are the topic. It’s even better when they start airing grievances about VAR decisions, as this brings out all the drama.

I initially planned to do this piece on Bobby Madden and his absurd remarks about VAR keeping Celtic at the top of the table. The idea was to focus on his comments and how he managed to contradict himself by admitting that, over the course of the game, Celtic were the better team.

But now, I don’t even need to—another ex-ref, Des Roache, has stepped in and done the job for me. He called Madden’s comments “pathetic” and set the record straight, making it clear that strict application of the rules meant there was never any chance the ball-punching ‘goal’ could have counted.

Roache’s intervention is something I welcomed because Madden isn’t the only person trying to peddle this nonsense.

There are plenty of media pundits pushing this ridiculous narrative, and quite frankly, it’s embarrassing. Willie Miller, for example, made some equally daft comments over the weekend, continuing this absurd theory that Aberdeen were somehow robbed of a win. Now that Roache has spoken out, maybe this entire non-issue – his words, not mine – will be laid to rest, though I won’t hold my breath.

Let’s break down what actually happened, as some people clearly need a reminder. During the game, there were indeed some contentious decisions, but I’m prepared to accept that the officials probably got them right, even the big one near the end when the ball appeared to hit Duk’s arm on the line. This incident was as close as you can get, but again, it’s one of those decisions where you have to take a deep breath and accept it.

However, here’s where things get frustrating.

We still lack a proper VAR system in Scotland that can definitively resolve these types of situations. It’s downright embarrassing that we’re stuck with subpar technology. It wasn’t just our game that suffered, either—Kilmarnock had a goal chalked off in their match against that club across the city. From what I could see, it was an extremely close call, and the VAR lines they showed on the broadcast didn’t provide much clarity. If the technology isn’t up to scratch, why even bother? It’s doing more harm than good by causing confusion and mistrust among fans.

Now, let’s talk about Willie Miller’s daft remarks. He disagreed with Brendan Rodgers’ post-match comments, which suggested that Celtic deserved to win the game. Miller trotted out the same silly argument about Aberdeen’s disallowed goal as proof that the Dons should’ve taken all three points. I’m sorry, Willie, but that’s nonsense, and anyone who watched the game with a hint of objectivity would agree.

Here are the cold, hard facts. Celtic dominated possession, created more chances, and forced their goalkeeper into a string of impressive saves, including a last-minute wonder stop to deny Idah’s header. At several points during the game, Aberdeen’s cynicism was astonishing—time-wasting tactics that were so blatant they led to 10 minutes of stoppage time being added on. And don’t even get me started on their tackles, some of which were borderline reckless.

In my match report, I acknowledged Aberdeen’s determination and spirit. They fought back after going two goals down, showing resilience and courage. Fair play to them for that. They didn’t let their heads drop, and in the second half, they were more aggressive and took the game to us. They deserve some credit for that, but let’s not get carried away.

Only one team truly deserved to win, and that was Celtic. To say otherwise is to ignore the evidence that was right in front of you.

Miller should have paused and thought before making such an absurd claim. Celtic had all the ball, controlled the tempo, created the most opportunities, and were denied by some heroic defending and goalkeeping. Yes, Aberdeen had their moments, but they were largely reliant on scrappy play and the occasional counter attack.

This brings me back to Bobby Madden, who started all this with his bizarre assertion that VAR kept Celtic top. It’s as if he’s forgotten all the occasions when decisions have gone against us over the years. Madden, like many others, seems desperate to create controversy where there is none. The fact that he later admitted Celtic were the better team makes his comments even more laughable. If we were the better side, then why harp on about a non-goal that wasn’t going to stand under any interpretation of the rules?

Roache hit the nail on the head. You can’t punch the ball into the net and expect it to count. That’s it, plain and simple. For Madden to imply otherwise is either a cynical attempt to stir the pot or an embarrassing lack of understanding of the rules, and I honestly don’t know which is worse, especially from a former referee.

The media loves to whip up drama, and ex-officials like Madden seem more than happy to oblige, but when other referees like Roache step in and offer a reality check, it makes these wild theories fall apart. It also highlights the constant scrutiny that Celtic are under, with any marginal call being blown out of proportion by pundits desperate to push a narrative.

The real issue here isn’t VAR or disallowed goals. It’s that some people can’t handle seeing Celtic succeed. And in a weekend where some folk had clearly hoped their side would close the gap, to have seen it extended further for both ourselves and the Pittodrie club … well that’s glorious. No wonder some of them are hurting.

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3 comments

  • Jay says:

    I’m in agreement with yourself that the Duk clearance at the end was probably the correct decision my only issue is that, from what I have seen anyway there has been minimal analysis of it.
    I’ve only seen it from 2 angles. The broadcast angle & one from behind the goals. Neither offer a clear view of where the ball hit Duk but what I found even stranger was on Sportscene in the evening neither clip was even slowed down to allow a closer review. Both were just played at normal speed & then that was that & move on.
    It just confirms as you are saying & many have been saying since it’s introduction the VAR system & the personal using it are not up to snuff.
    This argument that the SPFL have introduced it to allow Scottish referees a chance at refereeing on the largest stages is a joke also. No Scottish ref will be partaking in any elite football matches out side of domestic games involving Celtic.

  • Kevcelt59 says:

    After our game on Sat, perie of the DR singlin out the ‘mentalists’ in the Celtic support for wantin a penalty. Tho of course, says absolutely nothin about the ibrox ‘mentalist’ all over social media, bitchin about ‘celtic favouritism’ (thats a fkn joke ) and conspiracies,
    because of the amount of ET given. Another example of the rank double standards common in that tabloid.

  • frank connelly says:

    Agree some of the tackles from Aberdeen were out of order. Their number 6 should have been off the park

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