Keith Hackett is adamant Celtic should have been awarded a penalty during their Scottish Cup tie with Dundee after Tomas Cvancara was penalised for a foul that was judged to have taken place outside the box.
The former PGMOL boss and ex FIFA referee has told Football Insider that the decision warrants a review by the head of Scottish refereeing, Willie Collum. Hackett believes referee Ryan Lee got the call wrong when he awarded only a free kick for Luke Graham’s challenge on the Celtic forward.
Celtic eventually fought back to claim a dramatic 2-1 victory at Parkhead on Saturday and book their place in the Scottish Cup quarter finals.
Dundee took the lead shortly after half time through a stunning strike from Ethan Hamilton and held on deep into stoppage time. Debutant Junior Adamu rescued the Hoops in the 97th minute to force extra time, before Sebastian Tounekti struck the decisive goal to seal the comeback. Despite the win, the hosts were left frustrated by a key first half decision that could have changed the course of the match.
The flashpoint arrived in the 38th minute when Hyun jun Yang slipped Cvancara through down the left channel. As the striker collected the ball near the edge of the penalty area, he was pushed over by Graham. Lee immediately whistled for a foul but opted to award a free kick rather than point to the spot.
Television replays suggested the contact occurred right on the line of the box. VAR official David Dickinson checked the incident and chose not to intervene. At half time, Premier Sports presenter Emma Dodds relayed clarification from the Scottish FA.
The statement read: “In the 38th minute, a free kick is correctly awarded outside the penalty area because the pushing began outside and continued inside.
“However, it can only be punished if it is holding that continues inside. Pushing can only be punished at the initial point of contact.”
Hackett was unimpressed with that explanation and believes VAR should have taken further action. Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “I hope Willie Collum, as head of referees, reviews this decision, even though it cannot be overturned.
“It is clear from the footage that the player’s foot is inside the penalty area when the push occurs, so in my view a penalty should have been awarded.
“For that reason, VAR should have advised the referee to go to the monitor and review the incident himself.”