Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has launched a scathing attack on VAR, calling it 'debilitating' for on-field officials after his side's appeal against Auston Trusty's red card was rejected. The Celtic manager expressed frustration with the Scottish FA's appeal process, describing it as 'worthless' following Tuesday's decision.

Trusty was sent off for a challenge on Jamie McGrath during a corner kick against Hibernian, with the red card upheld after a VAR review. O'Neill questioned why the referee, who initially saw the incident, was overruled by VAR officials. 'He'd said it was nothing, 'I'm going to have a word with the guys'. I've now got a player who is going to miss three games,' O'Neill stated.

Speaking from Germany ahead of Celtic's Europa League play-off second leg against Stuttgart, O'Neill suggested VAR is gradually making referees redundant. 'All I'm saying is that VAR, in time, we won't need a referee,' he warned. The Celtic boss believes the current system undermines officials' authority and creates confusion, particularly when referees who have seen incidents are subsequently overruled by VAR officials who weren't present at the match.