AliousKeith Hackett Slams VAR Blunder in Rangers vs Celtic Draw Amid Ibrox Chaos
Controversy once again dominated the latest Old Firm showdown as Rangers and Celtic played out a heated 1-1 draw at Ibrox — a result overshadowed by off-field drama and a contentious VAR decision that has drawn criticism from former referee Keith Hackett.
The match, as intense as ever, was marked by a chaotic atmosphere. Celtic’s away supporters lit pyrotechnics, while Rangers fans responded with a provocative shotgun-themed tifo and threw objects from the stands. But the biggest flashpoint occurred on the pitch when VAR overturned an offside ruling to allow Adam Idah’s goal to stand, cancelling out an earlier disallowed header by Rangers’ Nico Raskin.
Hackett, a former FIFA referee, took issue with the VAR’s decision to award Celtic’s equaliser, insisting that a Japan international — likely Kyogo Furuhashi — was offside and actively interfering with play. “It was the correct call of offside,” Hackett maintained, referring to the original flag before VAR intervened.
The decision proved pivotal, as it not only prevented Rangers from winning a third consecutive Old Firm at Ibrox but also exposed ongoing concerns about Scottish officiating — particularly with VAR’s inconsistent implementation.
Meanwhile, interim boss Barry Ferguson’s tenure is winding down without a single home victory. Although his spell has included standout moments like a win away at Celtic and a European triumph over Fenerbahce, his inability to deliver at Ibrox has contributed to the sense of stagnation at the club.
With 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavenagh edging closer to finalising their takeover, Rangers fans are eagerly awaiting sweeping changes — both on and off the pitch. The new ownership will be expected to bring leadership that avoids future heartbreaks caused by controversial VAR calls, which have plagued the club under the current officiating regime led by Willie Collum.
In short, this derby was less about footballing brilliance and more about officiating errors, missed opportunities, and the hope for a better-run future at Ibrox.
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