Celtic Forced to Issue Urgent Statement Over Premier League Statement in Regards to Referee and VAR Error
*The Old Firm never fails to deliver drama — but Sunday’s clash at Celtic Park has ignited a firestorm that goes far beyond the result.*
Celtic Football Club have been thrust into the centre of one of football’s most volatile debates, forced to issue an urgent statement following growing pressure surrounding referee and VAR decisions that have now drawn the attention of the wider Premier League conversation. What unfolded at Celtic Park on Sunday was not just a football match — it was a flashpoint that has exposed deep cracks in the officiating system across British football.
Celtic’s 3-1 win over Rangers was not without its controversy, with referee Nick Walsh right in the middle of it all, as Danny Rohl’s men took a one-goal lead through Mikey Moore’s strike — only for Celtic to level and then dominate through Yang Hyun-jun and a Daizen Maeda double. [Rangers Football Club](https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/club-statement-2026-05-01/3Mmc5g2xcveOQwC4XtsbDk) But it was what happened between the goals that has sent the footballing world into a frenzy.
Two decisions in particular have become the talking points of the weekend. First, Celtic’s equalising goal carried a hint of controversy, with two players in offside positions near the Rangers goalkeeper — raising immediate questions about whether VAR had done its job correctly. [X](https://x.com/RangersFC/status/2032149119519932623) The goal was allowed to stand after a VAR check, leaving Rangers furious and their supporters convinced justice had not been served.
Then came the moment that truly set pulses racing. Celtic defender Alistair Johnston was involved in a high tackle on Mikey Moore with the score locked at 1-1 — a moment that former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher insisted should “100 per cent” have resulted in a red card. [STV News](https://news.stv.tv/sport/scottish-fa-give-detailed-response-to-misleading-rangers-disciplinary-complaint) The VAR team, led by John Beaton, did not intervene, and referee Nick Walsh’s yellow card stood — a decision that could prove pivotal in the title race.
The fallout has been swift and brutal. Pundit Andy Halliday, speaking on BBC Scotland’s Sportscene, declared it a “severe issue” for Scottish football, stating he was “amazed” the incident did not result in a red card from VAR. [Rangers Football Club](https://www.rangers.co.uk/article/club-statement-2026-05-01/3Mmc5g2xcveOQwC4XtsbDk) Meanwhile, BBC pundit Michael Stewart reacted furiously, claiming VAR had failed badly on a crucial title-race weekend. [The Scotsman](https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/rangers/latest-rangers-news/sfa-stance-on-rangers-v-livingston-penalty-incident-revealed-as-chairman-issues-statement-5418977)
For Celtic, the pressure to respond publicly has been immense. Rumours circulating suggest the club’s hierarchy held emergency discussions in the hours after the final whistle, with senior figures deeply aware that silence in the face of such controversy would be interpreted as an admission that the decisions were wrong.
Rangers manager Danny Rohl, measured in his response, acknowledged the VAR controversy surrounding Yang’s equaliser — noting there appeared to be an offside situation with a player in front of his goalkeeper — while stopping short of making direct accusations. [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13517001/old-firm-pitch-invasion-rangers-boss-danny-rohl-condemns-fan-behaviour-after-celtic-loss-as-scottish-fa-launch-investigation)
The storm is far from over. Celtic’s statement has drawn a line — but in the war over VAR, the battle has only just begun.
*LThis article is based on confirmed facts and emerging reports. Developments are ongoing.