In a match filled with drama and debate, both teams were awarded penalties, but with differing outcomes.
Adam Idah’s attempt for the visitors was thwarted by Zander Clark, following a decision that Alex Cochrane had fouled Yang Hyun-jun. On the flip side, Jorge Grant showcased his precision from the penalty spot after Tomoki Iwata was called out for a handball.
The game wasn’t without its controversies, especially when Yang received a red card for a high tackle on Cochrane, sparking debate.
Celtic’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, was visibly and vocally frustrated with the officiating, particularly upset with the VAR decisions regarding the red card and the penalty awarded to Hearts. He didn’t mince words, labelling the decisions as “absolutely shocking.”
“I feel that the referee’s on-field decision is right and it’s a yellow card.” McCann told Sportscene.
“For him to be asked to go to the monitor to have another look is completely wrong.
“The red card shouldn’t have been issued.”
On the Iwata handball, McCann added: “It’s just another calamitous weekend for me in terms of decisions missed and decisions given by officials, whether on the pitch or off the field.
“It’s a totally wrong decision. I understand the laws of the game and that his arm is away from his body.
“But the boy doesn’t know anything about it. It’s hit his arm clearly but there’s no intent.”
Interestingly, Neil McCann, a figure well-respected in Hearts’ history and a Scottish Cup winner with the club, sided with Rodgers. While on Sportscene, McCann expressed his doubts about the correctness of the major decisions made during the game.
He outright disagreed with Yang’s red card, arguing there was no malicious intent behind the high boot, suggesting a yellow card would have been more appropriate. McCann also critiqued the decision-making process that led to reviewing the play and ultimately issuing the red card.
Regarding the penalty decision against Iwata, McCann labelled it as a misstep by the officials. He pointed out that while the ball did hit Iwata’s arm, the player had no intention of handling the ball, making the penalty call harsh in his view.
