Controversy as Martin O’Neill blasts Hibernian handball incident that shifted momentum

Martin O’Neill admitted there were significant doubts surrounding Hibernian F.C.’s equaliser after Joe Newell’s goal restored parity in a 1-1 moment at Easter Road.

At the time, Celtic F.C. were firmly in control, leading the match and facing ten men. However, just before half-time, a set-piece situation altered the flow of the game. Newell finished from close range, but there were immediate protests over a possible handball in the build-up. After a VAR review, the goal was eventually allowed to stand.

The decision shifted the momentum, denying Celtic a half-time lead and forcing them to regroup for the second half. O’Neill, watching closely from the touchline, suggested his view of the incident might have been different depending on the result.

He also reflected on the role of VAR in modern football, admitting he remains unsure whether it has ultimately improved the game. While acknowledging its introduction at the 2018 World Cup, he questioned whether it has reduced referees’ authority on the pitch.

O’Neill argued that officials may now rely too heavily on video intervention rather than making decisive calls in real time, a trend he believes was likely to develop over time.

The incident adds further fuel to the ongoing debate over VAR in Scottish football. Earlier in the match, Celtic had benefited from a review that confirmed a goal, but this time felt aggrieved by a decision going the other way.

O’Neill emphasised the inconsistency that often defines such moments, noting that while decisions may balance out over time, their immediate impact can still be decisive—especially in high-stakes fixtures at this stage of the season.

Speaking via TCW, he explained that he relied heavily on input from the technical area during the VAR check, adding that assistant Gavin Strachan felt the equaliser was contentious. O’Neill himself agreed, while acknowledging that ultimately the decision lay with VAR and had to be accepted.