aberdeen vs motherwell: McGinn says VAR is 'a mess' after Pittodrie showdown
Filmogaz, Feb. 19, 2026 ET — Aberdeen progressed at Pittodrie as a fiery Scottish Cup tie with Motherwell ended in controversy, three red cards and a sharp public rebuke of VAR from Scotland midfielder John McGinn.
VAR controversy and three red cards dominate headlines
The clash at Pittodrie finished with emotions running high after a game that will be remembered more for its flashpoints than its football. John McGinn, watching on as his brother Paul represented Motherwell, described the use of video assistant referee technology in Scotland as "a mess" following a match punctuated by multiple dismissals. The criticism underlines continuing unease among players and supporters about consistency in officiating.
Motherwell have taken the extraordinary step of contacting the national head of refereeing, Willie Collum, to seek clarification after two of their players were sent off during the tie. Club officials want answers about the decisions that shaped the result, and the matter is likely to be examined by the governing authorities in the coming days. With three red cards brandished on the night, the fixture will linger in discussions about discipline, the interpretation of challenges and the threshold for retrospective action.
Managerial reactions: backing, discipline and squad news
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill stepped in to defend Japan midfielder Reo Hatate, saying the player does not have an attitude problem after a recent conversation. O'Neill insisted he wants to see Hatate "knuckle down" and respond with consistent performances, framing the exchange as a bid to get the most from a talented squad member rather than a reprimand.
Meanwhile, other Scottish clubs are juggling squad issues ahead of the weekend. Dundee received encouraging news on Brad Halliday's fitness, but Scott Wright is a doubt for their trip to face Aberdeen. Hibernian's head coach, David Gray, has highlighted versatility in his squad as a key asset for their upcoming visit to a challenging opponent, arguing that adaptable players can provide tactical options when results and fitness levels are under pressure.
Implications for the Cup and what to watch next
Aberdeen's win sees them move on in the Scottish Cup, but the fallout from the match threatens to overshadow their progress. The combination of multiple dismissals and public criticism of VAR means disciplinary committees and refereeing leaders may face pressure to review decisions and offer clearer guidance to officials and clubs.
For Motherwell the immediate focus will be on damage limitation. Suspensions from red cards can quickly alter league and cup plans, and the club's contact with the refereeing hierarchy signals a willingness to press for explanations where they feel injustices have occurred. For neutral observers, the tie adds another chapter to the ongoing debate about technology, consistency and referee support in domestic competitions.
Fans and pundits will be watching closely over the coming days for any formal responses from match officials or regulatory bodies. On the pitch, attention shifts to weekend fixtures where squad availability — impacted by suspensions and injuries — could be decisive. With protests over officiating and calls for clarity growing louder, Scottish football faces renewed scrutiny as clubs prepare for a crucial stretch of the season.
