Matt O'Riley admits Celtic VAR delay frustrations as he explains how checks are hindering Hoops

Matt O’Riley admits the delays with VAR checks during games are hugely frustrating for Celtic.

Ange Postecoglou’s team have been involved in a variety of incidents since the introduction of the technology to the Scottish game four months ago. Last weekend’s Scottish Cup win over St Mirren brought more hold-ups as on-pitch referee Steven McLean consulted the monitor before awarding a penalty kick against visiting defender Richard Taylor for a handball which also led to a red card for the defender. McLean spoke to the VAR official at length before walking off the pitch to watch a replay.

O’Riley was on the pitch less than 10 minutes when the incident occurred and reckons it’s taking far too long for decisions to be made, which is “not ideal” for Celtic with the way they play. He said: “It is frustrating. It takes a really long time. I don’t know what the average time is but it must be over two or three minutes each time.

“For us it’s not ideal, especially the way we play and the momentum we have when we’re constantly attacking teams, it gives them a breather as well. The way we’re playing, we’re trying to tire teams out, so it’s a bit frustrating in that sense but at the same time everyone has to deal with it.”

The 22-year-old praised St Mirren for going to Celtic Park and having a go in that cup tie, something few teams have done this season. He added: “They made it difficult for us to be fair. They really gave it a good go. Most teams just sit in the box and sit there for 90 minutes but they gave it a go and I respect that. Luckily we broke them down as the game went on.”

O’Riley netted his first club goal in nine months during the victory over Saints and is hoping to follow it up against Aberdeen on Saturday. His