Dazien’s Ibrox goal – Accuracy of VAR graphics questioned by pundit

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The Celtic Star

·11. März 2026

Dazien’s Ibrox goal – Accuracy of VAR graphics questioned by pundit

Michael Stewart has questioned the accuracy of the VAR graphics used to rule out Daizen Maeda’s disallowed goal during Celtic’s victory over Rangers on Sunday…

The forward believed he had put Celtic ahead at Ibrox after heading the ball home, but the effort was chalked off following a review which determined that Liam Scales had been offside when he redirected Luke McCowan’s curling cross into the danger area.

Stewart – who was part of the broadcast team covering the match for Premier Sports – later shared his doubts about the decision while analysing the incident.

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Speaking on the Scottish Football Social Club, Stewart said: “No [the lines did not look right]. I think I said it in the studio, when you look at a monitor that is 10-15 feet away and it’s not like a phone that you can zoom in on, it’s difficult.”

“You just look at it, and it’s all about trust. You’ve got to trust the lines are in the right place, but my gut is, I think Scales is offside, but Djiga, who is the deepest Rangers defender, the line is not drawn on him.”

Daizen Maeda celebrates as Benjamin chases. Scottish Cup quarter final on Sunday 8 March 2026. Photograph by Vagelis Georgariou

“His left shoulder, for me, appeared to be the deepest part of a Rangers defender. I think he would still be offside, but those lines just don’t look right.”

The Ibrox club also saw an effort ruled out during the game after Manny Fernandez forced the ball into the net with his hand early in extra time.

Referee Don Robertson initially awarded the goal, but the decision was later reviewed and correctly overturned following intervention from VAR despite Fernandez bizarre wild celebrations.

The Celtic players return to Lennoxtown today after a couple of days off ahead of Saturday’s mammoth Scottish Premiership encounter against Jens Berthel Askou’s Motherwell at Celtic Park.

A victory would take Martin O’Neill’s side to within two points of Hearts who play later on Saturday night at Rugby Park.

Conor Spence

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