Ally McCoist and Stiliyan Petrov, along with Gabby Agbonlahor, appeared on talkSPORT, where VAR became a point of contention.
McCoist Sidesteps VAR Bait
Ally McCoist avoided a discussion on VAR initiated by Stiliyan Petrov, a former Celtic player. The debate arose following a controversial end to the Scottish Premiership season. A late penalty awarded to Celtic against Motherwell had major title implications.
While discussing Aston Villa’s Europa League final clash with Freiburg, Gabby Agbonlahor brought up VAR, prompting Petrov’s intervention. Smirking, Petrov said, “Oh, no, no. Don’t bring VAR up when you are near Ally…”
McCoist responded, “Honest to goodness, I am nearly out of time – but I am going straight to Celtic, but not VAR. I want to ask you seriously about the job Martin O’Neill has done to get that team over the line.”
Petrov Praises O’Neill, Broadcast Halted
Petrov lauded Martin O’Neill’s work. He stated, “What a job. It was never in doubt that he can do it, but it was going to be hard. The team wasn’t performing well, I will tell you that, no matter what people say. Celtic deserved it, they have done it the hard way. They weren’t playing well, and I will tell you what – man management, he is one of the best. It must have been hard for him, because he has been out of the game a long time.”
The Bulgarian’s comments then took an unexpected turn, piquing the interest of talkSPORT producers. Petrov added, “To deal with issues with the board, issues with the players, to deal with Wilfried Nancy leaving the club in a really difficult position – it was, can I say, balls? To go an take that job.”
McCoist responded, “Can I just say, you just have…” before the interview was abruptly halted for an ad break.
The incident occurred during a talkSPORT Breakfast Show interview.