A major football dispute erupted on social media early Sunday after former Liverpool defender and TV pundit Jamie Carragher cast doubt on Celtic’s title-clinching victory and urged the SPFL to re-examine a contentious offside call that influenced the match.
His remarks came on Monday morning following Celtic’s dramatic win over Heart of Midlothian in a high-stakes title decider, which sparked jubilant scenes from players and fans at Celtic Park. While the stadium atmosphere was electric, online sentiment turned sharply negative after Carragher’s live television analysis.
Speaking on a Sunday morning football show, Carragher openly challenged Celtic’s second goal—initially approved after a VAR review. Using replays and freeze-frames, the former defender argued that the attacking player appeared offside in the build-up.
Carragher stressed that the decision was too significant to overlook given the match’s importance in the title race. “This is one of the biggest moments of the season,” he said. “If the officials made a mistake, the SPFL needs to scrutinize it carefully. Fans deserve real answers when titles hang in the balance.”
He added, “I firmly believe the referee got it wrong. That call effectively handed the title to Celtic. From what I’ve seen, it should have been offside. The SPFL must review all available footage and images thoroughly—such decisions can’t be ignored in a title-deciding match. A proper investigation is needed.”
The comments immediately drew furious backlash from Celtic supporters, many accusing the pundit of disrespecting the club and stirring unnecessary controversy over a fair victory. Thousands took to social media to defend their team and mock Carragher.
@HoopsFaithful posted: “Jamie Carragher talking about handing over titles and replays is embarrassing. Celtic won it on the pitch. VAR already checked the goal. Respect the champions.”
@ParadiseNoise wrote: “Carragher acts like one decision wins a whole title. We’ve been the best team all season and everyone knows it. Cry harder.”
@BhoysCentral said: “Every big win suddenly becomes a controversy. Jamie Carragher owes the club and fans more respect after those comments.”
@GreenBrigadeTV added: “Freeze-frames don’t tell the full story. Officials reviewed the goal properly and gave it. End of discussion. Celtic are champions again.”
@CelticCulture__ wrote: “Imagine asking for a replay after a VAR decision. Football has gone mad. Carragher clearly wanted attention.”
@HoopsWorldwide stated: “Callum McGregor and the boys earned this title through hard work all season long.”
@ParadiseEcho posted: “Jamie Carragher saying the SPFL should review the title result is one of the wildest takes this season. Celtic fans celebrate while rivals keep complaining.”
The online backlash intensified as clips of the analysis spread across football forums and fan pages. Many Celtic supporters argued that the available camera angles were inconclusive, and that officials followed proper VAR protocol. Others pointed out that the freeze-frame shown on air lacked clear evidence of offside. Several fans accused pundits of consistently targeting Celtic whenever the club achieves success.
The controversy escalated after Carragher appeared to suggest that football authorities should revisit the result if serious doubts remained. Though he stopped short of explicitly demanding Celtic be stripped of the title, many viewers interpreted his comments as a call for league intervention.
Despite growing criticism, Carragher later defended his analysis, insisting it was not an attack on Celtic. He said he simply believes authorities must ensure major decisions are correct in games of such magnitude.
Meanwhile, celebrations continued across Glasgow following another league triumph for manager Brendan Rodgers and captain Callum McGregor. Players and fans celebrated wildly after the final whistle as Celtic secured another successful season despite intense pressure.
As of now, the SPFL has given no indication that the match result will be reviewed further, and officials are believed to be satisfied with the VAR checks conducted during the game. Nevertheless, Carragher’s explosive comments guarantee that the debate over Celtic’s controversial goal will remain a major talking point in Scottish football for days to come.