Title: One Game from Glory: Celtic Thrash Kilmarnock as VAR Controversy Sparks Debate
Celtic edged ever closer to the Scottish Premiership title with a thunderous 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Celtic Park over the weekend, as Brendan Rodgers’ men delivered one of their most complete performances of the season. The result puts them just one game away from officially securing back-to-back league titles under Rodgers, who returned to the club last summer amid both hope and scepticism.
The mood around Parkhead was electric as the Hoops stormed into an early lead, tearing through Kilmarnock’s defence with pace, power, and precision. The quality of football on display was a reminder of the level Celtic can reach when they’re firing on all cylinders. Goals came thick and fast—each one met with a roar that reflected not only the brilliance of the team, but also the belief among fans that another title is all but in the bag.
A Performance to Remember
From the opening whistle, Celtic asserted their dominance. There was an urgency to their play, a sharpness in their passing, and an intensity in their pressing that overwhelmed Kilmarnock. The visitors simply couldn’t live with Celtic’s tempo. By the time the halftime whistle blew, the home side were already 4-1 ahead, with the tie effectively over. Kilmarnock had no answers.
Brendan Rodgers, who has faced his share of criticism this season, must have been quietly satisfied watching his side play with such cohesion. Celtic were aggressive, creative, and clinical—a side playing with the confidence of champions in waiting.
Standout performers were everywhere: Reo Hatate orchestrated the midfield like a conductor with a baton; Paulo Bernardo continued to underline his importance with intelligent movement and quick transitions; the backline was resolute, and up top, Adam Idah caused chaos with his movement, physicality, and link-up play. The Irish striker, who joined on loan from Norwich City in January, has been nothing short of a revelation for Celtic—and he thought he had grabbed another goal in the first half. That’s when the controversy kicked in.
The VAR Drama
With Celtic already 4-1 up and cruising, Arne Engels threaded a neat ball through the Kilmarnock backline, and Idah latched onto it before finishing confidently past the goalkeeper. The stadium erupted—briefly. The assistant referee raised his flag, and VAR was called into action to review the offside. After a lengthy check, the goal was disallowed.
On first glance, the decision looked razor-thin. As fans began dissecting the images shared on social media, the outrage grew. Supporters pointed to the frame used in the VAR analysis, claiming the ball had already left Engels’ foot by the time the freeze-frame was taken. If true, Idah would have been in line—or even marginally behind—the last defender.
The online discourse was instant and heated. Celtic fans flooded timelines with screenshots, annotated images, and frustrated commentary. The consensus among many was that the goal should have stood, and that VAR had once again let them down.
This wasn’t about the result—Celtic were winning comfortably—but about principle. Supporters want consistency and clarity from the system that promised to deliver it. Instead, they’re left questioning whether the technology is being applied fairly—or accurately.
Michael Stewart Weighs In
At halftime, BBC pundit Michael Stewart offered his opinion on the incident. Speaking live on air, he praised Celtic’s dominance but defended the officials’ decision.
“It’s quite incredible, Celtic’s performance,” Stewart said. “When they play with that kind of pace, no one can live with them in this league. Brendan Rodgers will be absolutely delighted with what he’s seen.”
On the offside call, he added: “It was the right call, but it was very, very tight. The only solace for Kilmarnock at the break is that it’s four and not five.”
While Stewart’s analysis was calm and measured, it didn’t sit well with sections of the Parkhead support who felt the pundit should have acknowledged the ambiguity surrounding the VAR image. The frustration lies in the fact that, even with slow motion, lines, and frame-by-frame technology, the decision still comes down to timing—something humans are still determining. If the frame is wrong, the decision is wrong. And when the margins are so fine, trust in the system begins to erode.
The Bigger Picture: Title Within Reach
Despite the controversy, the result was never in doubt. Celtic’s dominance was total, and the result a fair reflection of the gulf between the sides. Rodgers’ side are peaking at the perfect time, and their recent form has been nothing short of sensational. The hunger, determination, and confidence coursing through this team is the hallmark of champions.
Attention then turned to Pittodrie the following day, where Aberdeen looked poised to help deliver Celtic the title early by beating Rangers. In a match full of twists, the Dons took a late lead and Celtic fans began to ready the champagne. But football is rarely that simple. A late Rangers equaliser delayed the title celebrations, meaning Celtic will need to wait one more game to make it official.
Still, with one hand on the trophy, the question isn’t if Celtic will win the league—it’s when.
Rodgers’ Redemption Arc
This latest dominant display underlines just how far Brendan Rodgers has taken this team in the latter part of the campaign. His return to the club last summer was met with mixed emotions. Many fans remembered his sudden departure to Leicester City in 2019, and wondered if he still had the hunger for the job.
But quietly, methodically, Rodgers has reshaped the squad and reignited the Celtic machine. Young talents have emerged, fringe players have stepped up, and the team has grown in both resilience and fluidity. He’s handled injuries, media pressure, and the expectations of a demanding fanbase—and he’s delivered.
If Celtic win the title next weekend, Rodgers will have secured his third Premiership trophy in just his fourth full season in charge across both spells. Not bad for someone whose return was questioned.
VAR’s Ongoing Problem
The Idah offside incident is just the latest in a string of controversial VAR decisions in Scottish football this season. For many fans—not just at Celtic—there’s a growing sense that VAR is doing more harm than good. Rather than clearing up controversy, it’s creating more of it. When supporters are left unsure about when the frame was frozen or whether lines were drawn correctly, confidence in the system collapses.
It’s a conversation that isn’t going away. The technology is here to stay, but its application in Scotland needs serious review if it’s to serve its purpose fairly and transparently.
One Game to Go
For now, Celtic turn their attention to their next fixture, knowing a win will seal the title regardless of what Rangers do. It’s a position every team dreams of—to be in control of their own destiny, with the finish line in sight. The atmosphere promises to be electric. Rodgers will demand focus, composure, and a professional job—but there’s no doubt Celtic are ready.
One more game. Ninety more minutes. And then, potentially, a night to remember for Celtic fans everywhere.
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