SFA cautioned regarding VAR protocols following a major Celtic vs Rangers incident that could determine the title race.

Celtic’s difficult week became even more frustrating on Sunday when Rangers completed a second Old Firm victory in seven days by securing a 1-0 win at Celtic Park. Ryan Naderi’s early goal proved decisive, giving Derek McInnes’ side another important derby success.

The victory moved Rangers to within two points of the league leaders after their sixth consecutive win. Celtic, meanwhile, have suffered three straight defeats, following their League Cup loss to Rangers at Ibrox and their Europa League setback against Ferencvaros during the week.

The latest defeat has increased the pressure surrounding Martin O’Neill, with uncertainty now emerging about his future at the club.

O’Neill considering his Celtic future

According to journalist Graham Spiers, O’Neill is considering his position and is expected to use the international break to reflect on his future. The Celtic manager was visibly disappointed after the derby, with his team producing a performance that failed to meet expectations.

O’Neill is reportedly planning a short break with his wife over the coming days. During that time, he is expected to think carefully about whether he wants to continue in the Parkhead job.

Celtic will not play again until their visit to Motherwell on October 11, leaving a 21-day period without a competitive fixture. The extended break could therefore give O’Neill enough time to decide whether to remain in charge or step away.

VAR controversy adds to Celtic frustration

The defeat has also created another major talking point, with former referee expert Bobby Madden claiming Rangers should have been reduced to ten players during the opening stages of the match.

Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez received a yellow card within the first five minutes after fouling Camilo Duran. However, just over ten minutes later, Fernandez was involved in another incident involving Celtic forward Benjamin Nygren.

Nygren appeared to push the ball beyond the defender before being brought down, but referee John Beaton allowed play to continue without awarding a foul.

Madden has now questioned the decision and warned the Scottish Football Association that the incident highlights an important limitation within the current VAR procedures.

Explaining the incident to The Daily Record, Madden said Fernandez’s second challenge appeared to meet the criteria for a caution because it stopped a promising attack. He also pointed out that the referee did not award a free-kick, which meant the potential yellow-card offence was never formally recognised.

However, Madden stressed that VAR could not intervene simply to recommend a second yellow card. Under the current rules, the video assistant referee can become involved in situations concerning a straight red card, but not an additional booking.

How the decision could affect the title race

Rangers would have been forced to play most of the match with ten men, potentially giving Celtic a significant numerical advantage. While nobody can know whether Celtic would have gone on to win, the circumstances would have been dramatically different.

The importance of the decision is magnified by the league standings. Celtic remain top after seven matches, with 18 points from six victories and one defeat. Rangers have 16 points from five wins, one draw and one loss.

That means Celtic could potentially have been eight points clear instead of only two points ahead if the derby had produced a different outcome following a dismissal. Such a scenario cannot be treated as certain, but it demonstrates why the incident has attracted so much attention.

With Celtic already dealing with questions about O’Neill’s future, the VAR controversy adds another layer of frustration around a defeat that could have significant consequences later in the campaign.

Who could replace O’Neill?

The uncertainty surrounding O’Neill also raises the question of who Celtic might consider if the manager decides to leave.

Kieran McKenna continues to be regarded as a leading candidate, with sources suggesting Celtic’s board had already admired the Northern Irishman before O’Neill was appointed.

However, McKenna reportedly has no desire to move to Scotland at this stage. The 40-year-old is understood to be targeting a position at one of England’s major clubs, with Manchester United and Tottenham among the destinations he is reportedly monitoring.

There is also a financial obstacle. Ipswich are still due an £8 million compensation payment if McKenna leaves before next July. Celtic’s ownership has previously shown limited willingness to commit such a substantial amount to compensation, even though the club reportedly rates him highly.

Potential changes in England could alter the situation

The possibility of vacancies developing at English clubs could make Celtic’s pursuit even more difficult. Pressure is reportedly building around Roberto De Zerbi and Michael Carrick, meaning opportunities at high-profile clubs could emerge before Celtic are in a position to make another serious attempt for McKenna.

For now, Celtic’s immediate focus remains on recovering from a damaging run of results. The international break provides O’Neill with time to consider his next move, while the SFA faces renewed scrutiny over the VAR protocols surrounding Fernandez’s second incident.