Darryl Broadfoot has responded after Aberdeen caretaker manager Peter Leven questioned the VAR decision that allowed Benjamin Nygren’s winner for Celtic to stand at Pittodrie.
Nygren scored the decisive goal during Celtic’s 2–1 win over Aberdeen. The strike came during the second half and immediately went to a VAR review as officials checked the midfielder’s position when the ball was played through.
4th March 2026; Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Benjamin Nygren of Celtic shoots and scores in the 67th minute to make it 2-1 to Celtic
Leven later reviewed the footage and raised questions about the offside graphics shown on the broadcast. The Aberdeen boss asked why only one line appeared on the screen rather than the two lines usually shown during offside checks.
The clip of his comments spread quickly online and sparked debate about the decision. Broadfoot, the former Scottish FA communications chief and long-time football journalist, responded on social media to explain why only one line appeared during the review.
I would have thought by now most people would know that when only one line is visible it’s because they have overlapped and attacking advantage applied (ie it’s on-side). Standard practice. https://t.co/LI1O0IFtPY
— Darryl Broadfoot (@DarrylBroadfoot) March 5, 2026
The explanation relates to how VAR graphics appear when the attacker and defender are extremely close to level. When the two lines overlap, the system shows a single line on the screen rather than separate markers.
That situation normally means 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 moment.
4th March 2026; Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Benjamin Nygren of Celtic celebrates after he shoots and scores in the 67th minute to make it 2-1 to Celtic
Nygren’s movement into the box was tight against the Aberdeen back line. The replay showed the pass being played just as the forward stepped past the defender before finishing from close range.
The decision meant Celtic kept their lead in the match. With the score at 2–1, the goal proved decisive and delivered three points that moved Martin O’Neill’s side above Rangers in the table while keeping pressure on Hearts at the top.
