Full Breakdown
Controversial Offside Decision in Celtic vs. St Mirren Match
11/25/2025, 4:06:55 PM
Incident Overview
During a recent match between Celtic and St Mirren, a significant incident occurred involving Celtic defender Liam Scales, who inadvertently scored an own goal. The goal was disallowed after the linesman flagged it for offside, leading to a heated discussion regarding the decision's validity.
Key Figures Involved
- Liam Scales: Celtic defender whose own goal was disallowed.
- Conor McMenamin: St Mirren attacker who was in an offside position during the incident.
- Kevin Clancy: Referee overseeing the match.
- Dermot Gallagher: Former Premier League referee providing analysis on the decision.
- Neil McCann: Former player and pundit who criticized the decision.
- Jay Boothroyd: Pundit who supported the argument that the goal should have stood.
- Stephen Robinson: St Mirren manager who expressed frustration over the VAR decision.
The Offside Decision
Referee Kevin Clancy paused the game to review the incident with VAR official Matthew MacDermid. Gallagher noted that the on-field decision was based on McMenamin's movement towards the ball, which influenced the offside call. He stated, “If he holds his ground he is never going to be penalised, but if he holds his ground does Liam Scales have to make the same action?” Gallagher emphasized that McMenamin's movement was a key factor in the decision.
Perspectives on the Decision
Critics of the decision, including McCann and Boothroyd, argued that Scales was not aware of McMenamin's position and that the own goal should have stood. McCann remarked that Scales appeared to be in a state of "panic mode" and was more concerned about physical contact than McMenamin's offside position. He stated, “I don’t think he feels like McMenamin is affecting him. I think he is just in panic mode.”
Conversely, Gallagher maintained that the VAR decision was justified due to the assistant referee's initial call and the evidence of McMenamin's movement towards the ball. He concluded that Scales was "fortunate" the goal was disallowed, as the evidence supported the on-field decision.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the match, St Mirren's manager Stephen Robinson criticized the VAR decision as "subjective," expressing frustration over another call that went against his team. Gallagher's analysis on Sky Sports provided a counterpoint, reinforcing the rationale behind the offside ruling based on the rules of the game.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Gallagher and other pundits supported the offside decision, dissenting views from McCann and Boothroyd highlighted a lack of consensus on the interpretation of the rules. This discrepancy raises questions about the consistency of VAR applications in similar situations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Speaking to Sky Sports Ref Watch, Gallagher said: “There are two issues here, firstly bear in mind the on-field decision was offside.” — Dermot Gallagher, Former Premier League Referee
- “He (McMenamin) is in an offside position, whether you can argue he is making an attempt for the ball, but Scales knows nothing about that and he has just thrown a desperation boot there. I don't think McMenamin is making a real good attempt for the ball, but I understand why they have given it.” — Neil McCann, Former Player
- “ Gallagher rounded off: "He's fortunate, but because it was given as offside on field I don't think VAR was ever going to overturn it because the evidence is the player moves towards the ball, which he does.” — Dermot Gallagher, Former Premier League Referee
This incident underscores the ongoing debates surrounding VAR's implementation and the subjective nature of offside rulings in football.
