Callum McGregor believes he was unlucky to see his opener chalked off in Celtic’s 1-0 win over St Mirren on the opening day of the Premiership season.
The skipper thought he had made the breakthrough midway through the second half when he found the net from close range. His celebrations, however, were cut short after the VAR team advised a free kick be awarded.
Following the review, officials deemed the ball had brushed McGregor’s arm in the build-up. Under the current rules, the incident resulted in a “factual” handball decision, meaning the goal had to be disallowed.
McGregor, now into his fifth season wearing the captain’s armband, admitted it was a frustrating moment but accepted the decision would not be overturned once the referee had consulted the technology.
He said: (Sky Sports), “Obviously, it’s harsh if you’re going by the ruling and it touches your arm.
“I thought it was quite high up. But listen, the guys look at it on VAR, and you just have to accept it. Some you get, some you won’t get.”
The incident reignites debate over the handball law, which has left many players and coaches frustrated since VAR’s introduction in Scotland. While the rule aims to maintain consistency, moments like this highlight how harshly it can be applied in certain situations.
For McGregor, it was another example of how tight margins can shape games at the top level. He will hope future decisions swing in his favour as Celtic look to maintain their strong start to the campaign.
With Rangers drawing on the opening weekend, the Hoops know that every goal, given or ruled out, could prove vital in this season’s title race.
