The punditry panel featured two former Rangers figures during Manchester City’s triumph over Chelsea, as Ally McCoist and Steven Gerrard couldn’t resist aiming another jab at Celtic over their controversial penalty against Motherwell earlier in the week.
Celtic were handed a spot kick in the closing moments of the match after Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson was judged to have handled the ball inside the area following a VAR check. After striker Kelechi Iheanacho calmly converted from the spot, the call sparked widespread debate across global media outlets. The 3-2 win ensured Celtic remained in the title hunt, which they eventually sealed on Saturday after overcoming Hearts 3-1 at Parkhead.
McCoist has already made his feelings clear on the incident, insisting on TalkSPORT that it has ‘tarnished’ the positive image of Scottish football. While covering TNT Sports’ broadcast of the FA Cup final, where Manchester City edged Chelsea 1-0, the former Ibrox favourite, alongside ex-manager Steven Gerrard, appeared to reference the decision once again.
During the encounter, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez fired the ball against the arm of City defender Nico O’Reilly, prompting muted appeals for a penalty. With the defender’s arm positioned close to his body, commentator Darren Fletcher remarked: “I’ll tell you something. If you give a penalty for that, we might as well all go home.”
To which McCoist responded, “wrong country”. Meanwhile Gerrard added, “he just couldn’t resist could he.” After McCoist then sarcastically apologised for his subtle dig, the former Rangers and Aston Villa boss added, “I agree with you by the way.”
McCoist had earlier claimed the decision had turned Scottish football into a ‘laughing stock’ during his TalkSPORT outburst. He said: “It’s a horrendous decision that has once again embarrassed Scottish football. I don’t think I’m letting any secrets out the bag when I say that unfortunately, that referee has had experiences with Celtic fans as well. Not good ones.
SFA statement on John Beaton
Referee John Beaton was the official who delivered the final verdict after being instructed to review the incident by Andrew Dallas. Following the controversy, his personal information was leaked online and he reportedly required police protection overnight. A 19-year-old man was later arrested in relation to the data protection breach.
An SFA statement read: “Such vigilantism, motivated by decisions perceived to be right or wrong on a field of play, is a scourge on our national game and we are grateful to Police Scotland for their swift intervention. As we approach what should be an exciting finale to the season, we ask those who have personalised and hyperbolised their opinions, those who have sought the easy way out by attributing defeats to perceived refereeing errors, and those who have approved incendiary statements and posts to reflect on their contribution to creating an environment of intimidation, fear and alarm.”