Celtic defeat Hearts after late Daizen Maeda goal survives VAR check

Daizen Maeda scored a dramatic late goal to give Celtic a crucial lead against Hearts after a tense VAR review overturned an initial offside decision.

The Japan international found the back of the net in the dying moments of a closely contested Scottish Premiership encounter.

Celebrations were initially cut short when the assistant referee raised his flag to rule out the strike.

However, the video assistant referee swiftly intervened to scrutinise the attacking build-up play.

VAR provides late drama

Following an anxious delay, technology confirmed the Celtic attacker was being played onside by the opposition defence.

The overturned decision sparked wild celebrations among the travelling support as the Glasgow giants snatched a vital advantage.

It represents a crushing blow for the Edinburgh outfit, who had defended resolutely throughout the fixture.

Crucial momentum in the title race

Late interventions of this nature often prove decisive in the relentless pursuit of the Scottish top-flight crown.

The reigning champions once again demonstrated their characteristic determination to grind out results as the clock ticked down.

This dramatic conclusion firmly underscores the continuing and often polarizing impact of VAR technology on the modern game.