Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes Celtic should have been awarded a penalty during their 2-1 victory at Pittodrie on Wednesday night.
The incident in question occurred just before half-time when Sebastian Tounekti’s cross struck the arm of Aberdeen defender Jack Milne inside the box. Referee Nick Walsh briefly halted play before allowing the game to continue without pointing to the spot, and VAR chose not to intervene.
Hackett disagreed with both decisions. Speaking to Football Insider, he argued that Celtic had every right to feel aggrieved. His assessment was that the ball had travelled a sufficient distance to give the defender time to adjust his body shape, and that by the time contact was made, Milne’s arm had made his silhouette larger than it would naturally be. On that basis, Hackett felt VAR should have stepped in to recommend a penalty, and that a spot kick ought to have been given.
Had the penalty been awarded and converted, Celtic would have taken a one-goal advantage into the break. As it turned out, they found a way to win regardless, securing a hard-fought victory that moves them a point above Rangers in the Premiership table, though Hearts remain five points clear at the top.
Celtic now face a busy schedule ahead. They travel to Ibrox on Sunday for the Scottish Cup quarter-final against Rangers before returning to Premiership action the following Saturday, when Motherwell visit.