VAR STORMS CELTIC PARK! Maeda’s “Goal” at 35’ Ruled Offside – Fans Left FUMING Over Controversial Call as Audio Footage Surfaces Online Immediately After the Match

VAR STORMS CELTIC PARK! Maeda’s “Goal” at 35’ Ruled Offside – Fans Left FUMING Over Controversial Call as Audio Footage Surfaces Online Immediately After the Match

Tension and controversy dominated the Scottish Cup quarter-final clash between Rangers and Celtic after a dramatic moment involving Daizen Maeda left supporters arguing long after the final whistle.

The highly anticipated showdown finished in a goalless draw, but the biggest talking point came midway through the first half when Maeda thought he had given Celtic the breakthrough in the 35th minute. The Japanese forward pounced on a loose ball inside the box and calmly slotted it past the Rangers goalkeeper, sending the Celtic end into wild celebrations.

For several seconds, it looked like the opening goal of the match had arrived. Celtic players rushed to celebrate with Maeda, while Rangers defenders looked visibly frustrated. However, the celebrations were cut short when the referee signaled for a VAR review.

The stadium atmosphere quickly shifted from jubilation to tension as the Video Assistant Referee examined the build-up to the goal. After a short delay, the decision was announced: offside.

Instantly, boos echoed around the stadium. The ruling stunned large sections of the crowd, particularly Celtic supporters who believed the decision was extremely tight and far from convincing based on the initial replays shown inside the stadium.

Many fans felt the margins used in the VAR check were questionable, and social media erupted within minutes of the call being confirmed.

The controversy intensified even further shortly after the match when clips claiming to be VAR communication audio began circulating online. While the authenticity of the footage has not been officially confirmed, the clips spread rapidly across football forums and social media platforms, fueling even more debate about how the decision was reached.

Supporters on both sides of the rivalry quickly took to social media to share their reactions.

@HoopsLoyal1888, wrote: “I’ve watched that replay at least 15 times and I still can’t see how that’s offside. That decision completely changed the game.”

@ParadiseNoise, posted: “You could feel the energy drain from the Celtic end the moment the goal was ruled out. It just didn’t look convincing.”

@GreenBrigadeView, expressed frustration over the use of technology in such marginal situations.

“VAR was supposed to remove controversy, but moments like this only make things worse. Nobody in the stadium believed it.”

Even some neutral observers questioned the call.

 @FootballFrame, who often posts analysis clips, commented: “The freeze frame they used online doesn’t make the decision look clear at all. If anything, it raises more questions.”

Rangers supporters, meanwhile, defended the decision, insisting the technology had done its job.

@GersVoice1872 posted: “Offside is offside. That’s literally why VAR exists. If the line says he’s ahead, then the call is correct.”

Another Rangers supporter, @IbroxWatch, added:

“People complain about VAR when it goes against them. If the same decision was against Rangers, the reaction would be the opposite.”

Despite the heated online debate, the match itself continued to be fiercely contested after the disallowed goal. Both sides created chances but struggled to find the finishing touch in a tense and physical encounter typical of matches between the two historic rivals.

Celtic pushed forward repeatedly in search of the breakthrough, with Maeda remaining a constant threat through his relentless pressing and pace. Rangers, however, defended resolutely and looked dangerous on the counterattack.

The disallowed goal appeared to linger in the minds of the Celtic players and supporters alike, as the crowd continued to react angrily whenever VAR decisions or tight calls were made throughout the remainder of the game.

By the time the final whistle blew, the scoreboard still read 0–0, but the discussion surrounding the match had already moved far beyond the result itself.

Across social media, screenshots, slowed-down replays, and tactical breakdowns began flooding timelines as fans attempted to determine whether the decision was correct.

Another Celtic supporter, @BhoysTalkDaily, summed up the feeling shared by many in the green-and-white half of Glasgow.

“That moment will be the talking point of this game for days. It looked like a perfectly good goal.”

Meanwhile, football analysts and commentators also joined the debate, suggesting the incident could once again ignite wider discussions about how VAR is applied in tight offside situations.

For Maeda, the moment was particularly frustrating. The forward had shown great composure to finish the chance and believed he had delivered a crucial goal in a high-stakes cup tie.

Instead, his strike will likely be remembered as one of the most debated VAR moments of the Scottish Cup season.

Whether the circulating audio footage proves genuine or not, the controversy has already ensured that this quarter-final clash between Rangers and Celtic will be discussed long after the match itself.

And as fans continue dissecting the decision frame by frame online, one thing is clear: the debate over Maeda’s disallowed goal is far from over.