Martin O’Neill criticises use of VAR after Celtic Park defeat

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The Celtic Star

·23 February 2026

Martin O’Neill criticises use of VAR after Celtic Park defeat

Martin O’Neill criticised the use of VAR following Celtic’s costly 2-1 defeat by Hibs, arguing that the technology had influence on key moments in the game…

22.02.2026 Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership. Martin O’Neill. Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO

With the score level at 1-1 with 20 minutes remaining, Celtic were reduced to 10 men when Auston Trusty was sent off after an incident in the penalty area involving Hibs midfielder Jamie McGrath.

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O’Neill revealed that referee Matthew MacDermid informed him post-match that he had initially planned only to caution the players before being advised by VAR official Grant Irvine to review the incident.

Following the pitchside check, MacDermid upgraded the punishment, ruling Trusty guilty of violent conduct.

22.02.2026 Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership. Matthew MacDermid Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO

Celtic’s frustration grew moments immediately after Trusty’s red when Liam Scales fell in the box during a corner after a clear pull on his shirt by Hibs defender Jack Iredale.

Reflecting on Trusty’s dismissal, O’Neill said at his post match media conference: “Well, I’ve just had a word with the referee. He said he was just going to have a word with the two players, first of all. Then I think VAR intervened and said it was violent conduct.”

When questioned on the Scales incident, O’Neill said: “The referee, I think his words were, he didn’t hold onto him long enough, but it seems a wee bit strange.”

“You’re grabbing someone’s shirt as he’s making a move to get the ball and holding onto his shirt. Some years ago it was a penalty. But VAR, they’ve passed that one on, so there we go.”

O’Neill revealed he spoke to Trusty after the game, saying: “I’ve spoken to him. At the end of it all, you can’t do this. If that’s the rules now, it doesn’t matter if someone is holding onto you, in an attempt to breakaway, you can’t thrust down in the manner in which he did to get away. So I’ve been told it’s violent conduct.”

“The sending off has a big effect. We had the momentum at that stage. We had some chances second half and if you don’t put them away there’s a possibility at the other end.”

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order