Ex PGMOL Chief And FIFA Referee Backs McLean’s Back-Pass Call: Do Celtic’s Title Charge Deserve More Credit? | OneFootball

Celtic secured a gritty 2-1 win over Dundee at Dens Park on Sunday, April 5, in a matchday 32 clash that carried massive importance for the title race. As expected with such high stakes, a few refereeing calls sparked heated debate after the whistle. The loudest complaints from the Dundee camp centred on a back-pass incident that wasn’t given.

However, former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee Keith Hackett, now 81, fully supported Steven McLean’s decision in an exclusive chat with Football Insider. Hackett explained that because the ball hit an attacking player before getting to the keeper, the back-pass rule just didn’t apply. He also noted that VAR likely helped McLean get it right, describing the officiating as sensible and the final call as “outstanding.” Given Hackett’s history, refereeing the 1981 FA Cup Final and leading England’s match officials, his take carries serious weight.

“It’s hit the attacking player, hasn’t it? At first, I was looking at whether the ball had come off the body. I’ve seen screams for all sorts. “It’s only a back-pass if it’s off the boot. On this occasion, it’s come off the opponent, and as a result, it negates the decision. That’s why the referee hasn’t given it. “To be honest, that’s an outstanding decision from the match official. VAR might have whispered in his ear as well. It’s sensible officiating.”

Do Celtic’s Title Charge Deserve More Credit?

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 13: Referee Steven McLean looks on during the Cinch Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on May 13, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

With six games left, Celtic are trailing league leaders Hearts by three points, meaning every single result is a pressure cooker. Kelechi Iheanacho bagged the winner in the 82nd minute, just before McLean sent off Ryan Astley for a foul on Yang Hyun-jun. While Celtic certainly saw several big moments go their way in one afternoon, the conversation often labels them lucky rather than effective.

That seems a bit harsh. While Celtic haven’t always shown the dominance people expect from champions this year, they’re still grinding out tough wins away from home, which is exactly what title-winning teams do. They managed to take three points from a tricky venue, recovered after Simon Murray’s penalty equaliser, and found a way to win late.

As Hackett confirmed, Dundee’s back-pass grievances didn’t have a leg to stand on. The ball touched a player, not a teammate’s boot; the rule is black and white. Refereeing drama often steals the headlines when the losing side is vocal, but the facts here show McLean got it spot on.