Celtic and Hearts VAR audio released as 'abandoned game' theory dismantled - MSN
msn.com
The release of VAR audio in the Celtic vs Hearts controversy shows how transparency can either silence conspiracy theories or fuel them further — a classic test of information cascade theory.
Information CascadeConspiracy TheoryMotivated ReasoningTransparency Effect
Theory Briefing
- VAR audio from the Celtic vs Hearts match was publicly released to counter a viral 'abandoned game' conspiracy theory.
- The release of official evidence is a textbook attempt to halt an information cascade, where false narratives self-reinforce once widely shared.
- Whether the audio kills the theory depends less on facts than on motivated reasoning — believers often double down when presented with counter-evidence.