Brendan Rodgers, the manager of Celtic, expressed his strong belief that his team should have scored a seventh goal during their impressive 6-0 triumph over St Johnstone. The match showcased a dominant performance by Celtic, with contributions from players like Kyogo Furuhashi, Paulo Bernardo, Daizen Maeda, Callum McGregor, and Adam Idah. Although the team was in fine form, Maeda’s notable volley was controversially disallowed following a VAR review, leading to frustration for both the player and fans.
During a post-match radio interview, Rodgers commended Maeda’s contributions but highlighted that the disallowed goal overshadowed an otherwise stellar performance. The VAR decision stemmed from a collision between Auston Trusty and Graham Carey, which many supporters felt was not a foul. Analyzing the incident, Rodgers stated, “It should never have been disallowed. If you watch it back, Austin loses his marker, and their player steps into his space and bumps him.” He firmly asserted that the goal should have counted.
The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of VAR in Scottish football, particularly after other contentious decisions during the Motherwell vs. St Mirren match. There is considerable anticipation regarding the insights that Willie Collum, the Head of Refereeing, will provide in the forthcoming VAR review show from the Scottish FA, as well as the feedback from a five-person panel expected to assess the situation.
In addition to addressing the VAR controversy, Rodgers took a moment to reflect on the criticism directed at Celtic during the previous season. He reminded critics of the team’s strong showing, quipping about past accusations of poor performance. “It’s not bad for a team that doesn’t play good football. I think that’s what we were told last year, wasn’t it?” he remarked, pointing out the team’s evolution and success on the pitch.
Rodgers is known for his candid remarks, and following this dominant display, it seems he couldn’t resist taking a playful jab at his detractors. His comments serve as a reminder that despite earlier doubts, Celtic has made significant strides under his management, and his confidence in the team’s abilities is more evident than ever