Adam Idah’s goal at Ibrox was a turning point in a fiery Glasgow Derby, and now SFA refereeing chief Willie Collum has fully explained why the decision went in Celtic’s favour. Idah’s second-half strike was initially ruled out, but a swift VAR check turned that call on its head — much to the frustration of the Ibrox crowd.
Daizen Maeda had made a burst down the left before the ball hit the net, and the assistant referee wrongly flagged him for offside. As Idah wheeled away in celebration, the flag dampened the moment, but Celtic didn’t panic. VAR quickly got involved, and within moments the goal was rightly reinstated.
The first check confirmed what the Celtic bench already suspected — Maeda was onside. Then came another brief look to see if the Japanese forward had obstructed Liam Kelly’s view. Again, nothing doing. There was no foul, no block, and nothing to stop the goal from standing.
It was a textbook use of VAR that protected Celtic from an incorrect decision. No monitor check was needed. The technology did its job, and Brendan Rodgers’ side got what they deserved on the pitch.
Collum said: (The VAR Review), It’s the correct decision for us in the end. The first offside is what the assistant referee is punishing. He believes that the Celtic player who is out wide is in an offside position. That is not the case. There’s a correct delay [of the flag] to allow the move to come to a natural conclusion. A goal is then scored. Then they award the initial offside out wide. The VAR quickly checks that and come to the conclusion it’s onside.
“I want to mention again we would prefer these decisions are correct on field, but VAR is there for that reason. Then there is good on-field comms from the referee because he mentions that there is a potential second offside. I think it’s the Rangers goalkeeper who also claims for that. The VAR are then allowed the opportunity to check that.
“You can see they come to a conclusion, correctly, that there is no impact in any line of vision. This is a factual overturn, and there is no need for the referee to come to the monitor here. We’re really pleased with that.”
For Celtic, the decision restored balance in a game where small margins often decide the outcome. Idah’s goal was crucial — both in timing and impact — and it showed the composure of the Hoops in a high-pressure environment.
These are the fine details that define games. Celtic kept their heads, trusted the process, and got their reward. It was another example of VAR working correctly, especially when emotions run high.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have had to deal with some questionable calls in big games this season, but this time the officials got it right. The decision not only changed the game — it was a moment of justice for the Hoops.
