There have been numerous complaints from Rangers fans on social media and during phone-ins regarding the decision to award Celtic a penalty at Ibrox.
Dujon Sterling was penalized for a handball just minutes before stoppage time, allowing Reo Hatate to score after Jack Butland saved the initial penalty, ultimately earning Celtic a well-deserved point.
Kris Boyd dismissed the grievances from Rangers fans, including a particularly upset Ally McCoist, by pointing out that Sterling’s arm was extended, which prompted VAR to intervene and have John Beaton revise his on-field decision.
“But it definitely hits Dujon Sterling’s arm, and his arm is out from his body,” Boyd stated. “It’s a penalty kick. Absolutely no complaints.”
It’s evident it was a penalty, particularly since Boyd, who usually criticizes Celtic, found no grounds for complaint on this occasion. Boyd also noted that it was a fair outcome given Celtic’s superior performance in the second half.
This match likely reflects Celtic’s campaigns under Martin O’Neill, often requiring adjustments at halftime and a stronger performance in the latter stages to secure results. While some Rangers supporters were discontent about the handball call, Boyd had other concerns.
Initially, Butland successfully saved Hatate’s penalty by diving low to his right. However, he managed to save the rebound as well. Ultimately, Hatate scored after a scramble, with Daizen Maeda and Julian Araujo in close proximity.
Boyd expressed frustration over how quickly Celtic players reacted to the rebound, contrasting it with the seemingly passive response from Rangers players, as he mentioned during an interview with Sky Sports Football on March 1, 2026.
“It’s a penalty kick,” Boyd remarked. “Jack Butland might have saved it, but that’s uncertain.
“Definitely, it hits Dujon Sterling’s arm, and his arm is out from his body. It’s a penalty kick. Absolutely no complaints.
“Where Rangers might find an issue is in the execution of the penalty. Jack Butland saved it, and the only players there to follow up were Araujo and Reo Hatate.”