A former Premier League referee has backed the decision to award Celtic a handball penalty against Rangers in the dying moments of Sunday’s Old Firm draw at Ibrox.
Celtic equalised in stoppage time after Reo Hatate forced the ball home at the third attempt, having seen his initial penalty and the follow-up rebound both saved by Jack Butland. Referee John Beaton had pointed to the spot following a VAR review, with Dujon Sterling penalised after throwing himself in front of a Daizen Maeda header that struck his arm before Butland gathered.
Dermot Gallagher, speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, said there was never any real doubt about the outcome once the incident was referred to the monitor. He recalled watching the game live and initially thinking Butland had simply produced a fine save, but said that a single replay made it immediately clear a penalty was coming. He described the handball decision-making in Scotland as totally consistent, arguing that whenever the ball strikes an outstretched arm, regardless of how close the contact is, the outcome is always a penalty. Either the referee spots it and points to the spot, or VAR alerts him to review it, as happened here. Gallagher said there was no ambiguity in the application of the rule and that Scottish officials have been unwavering in that approach throughout the season.
His overall verdict was straightforward: it was always going to be a penalty, and the officials did exactly what they have done consistently all season long.