Darryl Broadfoot has reacted after Aberdeen caretaker manager Peter Leven questioned the VAR decision that allowed Benjamin Nygren’s winner for Celtic to stand at Pittodrie.
Nygren netted the crucial goal during Celtic’s 2–1 victory over Aberdeen. The strike arrived in the second half and immediately went to a VAR review as officials checked the midfielder’s position when the pass was played.
Leven later studied the footage and raised concerns about the offside graphics displayed during the broadcast. The Aberdeen boss asked why only one line appeared on the screen instead of the two lines normally used in offside checks.
The video of his remarks circulated rapidly online and ignited debate over the ruling. Broadfoot, the former Scottish FA communications chief and experienced football journalist, responded on social media to clarify why only one line appeared during the review.
The explanation relates to how VAR visuals appear when the attacker and defender are extremely close to being level. When the two lines overlap, the system displays a single line on the screen rather than separate markers.
That scenario generally indicates the attacker is level with the defender when the pass is made. Under the laws of the game, the benefit of the doubt goes to the attacking player in that situation.
Nygren’s run into the penalty area was tight against the Aberdeen defensive line. The replay showed the pass being delivered just as the forward stepped beyond the defender before finishing from close range.
The call meant Celtic maintained their advantage in the match. With the score at 2–1, the goal proved decisive and secured three points that lifted Martin O’Neill’s side above Rangers in the table while continuing to apply pressure on Hearts at the sum
mit.
