Celtic boss Ronny Deila backs plans for video refs

Deila was relieved the Dutchman won his appeal against the red card given by Craig Thomson in last Sunday’s stormy Scottish Cup clash at Dundee United.

Van Dijk, who appeared in person at Hampden, was exonerated and the red card dished out for a tackle on Calum Butcher was wiped to allow him to play in Sunday’s showpiece against United. But Deila – a fan of Scottish referees – reckons our officials could do with more on-the-spot assistance to ensure the correct calls are made and to avoid a week of controversy.

On video refs, the Hoops boss said: “That’s a very hard discussion, but I think so. That could be good for the big situations because, again, there is so much at stake – money, training, glory, fans, everything. And it should be right.

“Goalline technology has come now and that can only be positive for everyone because everyone wants the better team to win.”

Van Dijk’s reprieve brought a huge sigh of relief from Deila, who added: “It was the right decision. I don’t think it was a red card and I’m happy he can play in the final. He’s an important player for us.

“He was disappointed with the red card against Inter Milan and then he got another. He said to me in November, after getting a yellow card, that he’d never had one before and now he’s had two reds.

“But we’ve had the right decision now. It would have been harsh. I’m happy for Virgil.”

Deila is now keeping his fingers crossed for more good news over the next 24 hours. Kris Commons has won his battle to be fit, but Adam Matthews, Mikael Lustig and Charlie Mulgrew miss out.

Israeli midfielder Nir Bitton has yet to train this week, however, and will be given until Sunday morning to prove his fitness after turning an ankle.

Deila added: “He is a very important player. We want him to play and he has a good chance.”