UEFA set to introduce VAR to Europa League just days after Celtic boss’ comments

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Celtic manager Neil Lennon was eager to see the system be introduced to the competition.

UEFA will use VAR from the knockout stages of the Europa League this season, announcing the news just days after Celtic boss Neil Lennon complained it hadn’t been introduced, the association announced on Tuesday.

A number of controversial decisions in last week’s draw with Rennes left Lennon unhappy.

The Hoops manager felt that if VAR had been in use they would’ve been awarded a penalty for a perceived foul on Ryan Christie.

With Vakoun Bayo also harshly sent off, the officiating was a major point of frustration for Celtic.

As quoted by The Daily Record, Lennon said last Thursday: “We should have had a clear penalty for the foul on Ryan. I was aware of that [no VAR] before the game. We are playing under the UEFA banner.

“I’m surprised we don’t have it in this competition. If we had it, it would have been clearly another penalty.”

For better or worse, Lennon will now get his wish.

The controversial use of technology will come into effect after the group stage, impacting Celtic if they make it to that stage, as they did last year.

Will Celtic make it past the group stage?

After a positive 1-1 result in France, Celtic can look ahead to their next five matches in the competition with confidence. Rennes are certainly a decent outfit at this level, reaching the last 16 last season.

Lazio and Cluj are going to be far from the easy, but points are up for grabs and Lennon’s side have shown they’re capable of competing away from home. That’s going to be crucial.

Backed by a vociferous crowd at Celtic Park, they will fancied favourites at home too.

There’s every chance the Hoops could have their first taste of VAR in competitive action this season.