VAR debate: Did Celtic deserve a penalty for push inside the area?

Celtic F.C. claimed an important away win at Easter Road, defeating Hibernian F.C. 2-1 to move level at the top of the table and pile pressure on Rangers F.C. and Heart of Midlothian F.C..

Early in the second half, a heated moment saw both Josh Campbell and Liam Scales booked.

However, the bigger talking point was a strong Celtic penalty appeal, as Campbell appeared to push Benjamin Nygren inside the box while he attempted to shield the ball. Despite the contact, no penalty was awarded, leaving questions over whether the visitors were denied a clear spot-kick.

This.

A clear massive push.

A penalty. pic.twitter.com/I0Y6Y8i8JG

— BelfColm (@BelfColm74) May 3, 2026

Fortunately for Celtic, the decision did not prove decisive. A late strike from Kelechi Iheanacho—arriving with under 20 minutes remaining—secured all three points.

The match was also filled with other controversial moments involving the officials. Referee David Dickinson initially missed a dangerous challenge from Jamie McGrath in the first half, but after intervention from VAR official Don Robertson, the decision was reviewed and resulted in a red card.

There was further confusion when assistant Douglas Ross incorrectly flagged for offside during Daizen Maeda’s opening goal, only for VAR to step in and confirm the strike.

However, VAR was again under scrutiny when it failed to penalise a potential handball by Joe Newell in the build-up to Hibernian’s equaliser just before half-time—a moment that significantly shifted the momentum of the game.

Despite the controversy, Celtic emerged with the win, though the officiating decisions are likely to remain a major talking point.