VAR uproar as Celtic icon calls for officials to be dismissed after controversial decision vs Hibernian

John Collins did not hold back in his assessment after Celtic F.C. were denied what appeared to be a clear penalty during their 2-1 victory over Hibernian F.C. at Easter Road.

The controversial moment arrived in the first half with Celtic beginning to assert control. As the ball drifted toward the byline, Josh Campbell attempted to shield it out, but Benjamin Nygren stayed tight and was brought down under pressure from the defender. Despite the contact, play was waved on.

Referee David Dickinson did not intervene, and although the incident was reviewed, VAR official Don Robertson opted against recommending a second look.

Watching the replay, Collins was emphatic in his reaction.

Speaking on BBC Sportsound, he insisted the decision was clear-cut and should have resulted in a penalty, expressing disbelief that VAR failed to step in. He described the challenge as one of the most obvious fouls imaginable and criticised the officials heavily, branding the situation “an absolute shambles.”

The former Celtic midfielder felt the moment was pivotal. With the visitors building pressure, a penalty could have significantly altered the direction of the match. Instead, play continued, allowing Hibernian to remain in contention.

That sense of missed opportunity was compounded later in the half when Celtic conceded from a set-piece, highlighting how quickly momentum can shift through marginal decisions.

While Celtic ultimately secured all three points, the controversy is unlikely to fade. With just a handful of matches remaining, every call carries added weight—and this latest VAR flashpoint will only intensify scrutiny on officiating standards in the closing stages of the season.