Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou admitted he wasn't enamoured with the VAR "circus" which came to Tynecastle as he rued his side being denied a penalty in their thrilling 4-3 win over Hearts.
The 57-year-old was still gathering his thoughts after watching a pulsating encounter in Gorgie which resulted in seven goals, two penalties, including a retake, and one turned away for the visitors by VAR. And the biggest bone of contention came at the end of the first half as Michael Smith escaped a potential penalty against him for a handball which Celtic were convinced should have resulted in a spot kick. But referee Nick Walsh was told to play on minutes after a protracted call to award Hearts their first spot kick of the afternoon.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "Cracking game, what do I know? VAR, starring role, three points. Credit to the lads it's not easy coming here, their crowd is up and about, the conditions the way the are, it's always going to be a 50/50 game and with the whole circus around VAR it becomes anything but the football. For us, within that context just to stick to try and play our football and finding a way to win is credit to the lads."
When asked about his side's resolve Postecoglou was keen to stress it wasn't the first time his side have won in challenging circumstances. He added: "Again? I don't know how many times I've been asked about that since came here last year, when we need it it's there Brilliant for (Taylor) he came on gave us some energy. Obviously it was an important time for us, great for him to get a goal."
And Postecoglou then returned to VAR as he admitted he was surprised how much the new technology played a part in the game and the length of time it took Walsh to liasie with HQ over a host of flashpoints.
He said: "As I said before the game, I would much prefer if it wasn't involved at all but I thought we had a clear cut handball, but what do I know, mate? It's a lot of standing about, a lot of theatre, like I said I just wish they'd get decisions early and sort of intervene when they have to. It is what it is, I'm probably on the outside on this one."
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