If You Want Me to Be Honest, VAR and the Referees Were Obviously Against Celtic”  Martin O’Neill Brutal 12-Minute Post-Match Interview Questions SFA Credibility After Hearts Draw.

Celtic’s interim manager Martin O’Neill delivered a scathing assessment of the officiating following his team’s dramatic 2–2 draw with Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) at Tynecastle Park. In a brutal 12-minute post-match interview, O’Neill claimed that both VAR and the referees were obviously against Celtic and openly questioned the credibility of the Scottish Football Association (SFA), insisting that the game had favoured Hearts.

The result leaves Celtic trailing league leaders Hearts by six points in a fiercely contested Scottish Premiership title race, with O’Neill’s comments quickly overshadowing the match itself.

Match Recap: Drama and Late Controversy

The game was highly competitive from the opening whistle. Celtic took an early lead in the 7th minute through Benjamin Nygren, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to give the visitors the advantage. Hearts responded in the second half through Stuart Findlay, restoring parity in the 48th minute.

Celtic regained the lead in the 62nd minute with a goal from Yang Hyun-Jun, but the match’s defining moment came late. Auston Trusty was sent off after a VAR review, reducing Celtic to ten men. Hearts made the most of the situation when Cláudio Braga scored an 87th-minute equaliser, rescuing a point for the hosts.

The game was tense and emotional throughout. Hearts boss Derek McInnes was visibly agitated at multiple points, confronting the Celtic bench and needing to be restrained by officials, adding to the drama of the match.

O’Neill’s 12-Minute Post-Match Interview: Unfiltered Criticism

Speaking to reporters immediately after the final whistle, O’Neill was unapologetically candid.

“If you want me to be honest, VAR and the referees were obviously against Celtic today. The game clearly favoured Hearts,” O’Neill said, pointing to a series of decisions that he felt went against his team.

He emphasised that the repeated questionable calls including fouls not given and penalty appeals ignored  had a cumulative effect on the match’s outcome.

“One decision on its own, you can live with. Two, maybe. But when the same pattern keeps happening, you start to question the system,” he added.

O’Neill also used the interview to challenge the credibility of the SFA, suggesting that the governing body must maintain consistent officiating standards to uphold the integrity of Scottish football.

“At some point, the SFA has to look at itself. The credibility of the competition depends on fairness, and today that fairness was missing,” he said.

VAR and Officiating Debate

VAR remains a controversial topic in Scotland, and O’Neill’s remarks reinforced that debate. Many fans, particularly Celtic supporters, questioned the red card for Trusty, arguing that it did not meet the “clear and obvious” threshold required for VAR intervention.

Social media reactions mirrored the interim manager’s sentiments, with many fans highlighting that Celtic appeared disadvantaged in multiple situations, including penalty appeals and fouls not awarded. While the club has not yet announced a formal appeal regarding the red card or other decisions, the discussion is likely to continue in the coming days.

Implications for the Title Race

The draw keeps Celtic six points behind Hearts in the league, intensifying the pressure as the title race enters a decisive phase. Hearts remain at the top with 50 points, while Celtic sit on 44 points.

For O’Neill, the focus will be on rallying his team in the coming fixtures to remain competitive for the Premiership title. Hearts, meanwhile, will aim to build on the momentum from today’s point at home and maintain their advantage in the standings.

Broader Impact on Scottish Football

O’Neill’s comments highlight a broader debate regarding officiating and VAR in Scotland. While VAR was introduced to improve fairness, contentious decisions like the red card for Trusty demonstrate that the system is still under scrutiny. Pundits and former players have called for clearer rules and more consistent application to restore confidence among clubs and fans.

The SFA has not publicly responded to O’Neill’s criticisms, but the remarks are expected to increase pressure on the governing body and spark discussions over referee accountability and transparency.

Looking Ahead

Celtic face a critical period in the title race, needing to secure victories while managing team morale after today’s controversial draw. Hearts will seek to continue their strong form and hold onto the top spot.

O’Neill’s post-match interview, lasting 12 minutes and filled with candid criticism, ensures that officiating standards and VAR usage will remain a central talking point in Scottish football for weeks to come.

“We want to compete on a level playing field. Today, that didn’t happen,” O’Neill concluded, encapsulating the frustration shared by players, fans, and pundits alike.