Debate swept across Scottish football after Kelechi Iheanacho struck the decisive goal for Celtic against Dundee—a moment that sparked disagreement among supporters, particularly from rivals Rangers.
Introduced in the 58th minute in place of Tomás Cvancara, Iheanacho made an immediate impact. The decisive moment came after a delivery from Marcelo Saracchi caused uncertainty in the Dundee defence. As the ball dropped loose, the Nigerian forward held off Ryan Astley before finishing emphatically.
Dundee players appealed for a foul in the build-up, pointing to the contact between Iheanacho and Astley. The incident was reviewed, but only for a potential offside infringement. With Iheanacho confirmed to be onside at the moment of the cross, the goal was allowed to stand.
The decision quickly became a talking point, with fans split over whether the physical challenge should have been penalised. However, former referee Des Roache offered a firm defence of the call, stressing the subjective nature of such incidents and the limitations of VAR intervention.
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Acording to Daily Record, Roache explained that while the contact might appear questionable in still images, the context of live play matters, particularly in a sport where physical duels are part of the game. He also highlighted that VAR does not re-referee situations unless there is a clear and obvious error.
“You look at that still there and it doesn’t look great, but football’s a physical sport.
If it’s given as a foul, VAR isn’t going to overrule it. But VAR is only there to comment on clear and obvious errors.
So what’s happened there is an opinion, and we share the same opinion.
If I was VAR and the referee gave a foul, I could support it and say you know what? Yeah he’s shoved him, he’s nudged him.
But it’s just absolutely not. And Iheanacho looking and waiting to see what’s going to happen, that’s a symptom of where we are with VAR; they’re not sure they can celebrate a goal. I’ve got no issue with the decision at all.
Not just Astley, but you look at the goalkeeper and the players surrounding him, nobody is looking for a foul.”
With the goal upheld, Celtic secured a crucial result, while the incident continues to underline the fine margins—and interpretations—that define modern officiating.
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