Celtic Denied Clear Penalty in Loss to Hibernian, Claims Former Referee
The outcome of Celtic’s 2-1 defeat to Hibernian continues to be debated, with former referee Des Roache voicing a strong opinion that the team was unfairly denied a penalty. The incident occurred shortly after Auston Trusty received a red card.
Key Incident: Scales Challenge
With the game still within reach, Celtic was awarded a corner. As the ball was about to be delivered into the six-yard box, Liam Scales was visibly held back by Jack Iredale. Reports indicate Scales’ arm was grabbed and his shirt pulled, preventing him from challenging for the ball. Play continued without intervention from the referee or VAR.
Roache’s Assessment: A “Clear and Obvious Error”
Roache believes the failure to award a penalty was a significant error. He argued that the contact within the penalty area met the threshold for a penalty and should have prompted a review by VAR.
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“That was a penalty kick. It was a clear, clear penalty kick. Scales is well built. You’ve got it on the screen there. Iredale’s got a hold of his arm, he’s got a hold of his jersey. And if you look straight behind again, a pair of black socks, how close is he to it?”
Roache further emphasized that the assistant referee should have been focused on the impending delivery of the corner kick and the potential for contact. He criticized the referee for potentially being “switched off” and not observing the situation unfolding in the penalty area.
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“What I would say is he doesn’t need to be looking at the ball because the ball’s only going to arrive one place. The ball’s going to land in there. That’s what the assistant referee’s for. They’re there to watch. What the referee should be doing… is looking at what’s going on at that moment in time in the penalty area. But to me, that is a clear and obvious error. And VAR should have been involved in that.”
Roache dismissed arguments suggesting the penalty shouldn’t have been awarded because Scales wasn’t likely to reach the ball, stating that the laws of the game require officials to assess the incident as it occurred, not speculate on potential outcomes.
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“Witness, and I’ve heard that as well, saying that because Scales wasn’t going to get the ball. I’m sorry, that’s not the rules. That’s not the laws of the game. You’re there to produce an opinion on an instance in front of you. A player who’s been pulled, he’s been grappled inside the penalty area.”
Contrasting VAR Decisions
The controversy is heightened by the fact that VAR did intervene to upgrade a challenge by Auston Trusty to a red card, whereas remaining silent on the incident involving Scales. This inconsistency has fueled frustration among Celtic supporters.
The differing treatment of these two incidents raises questions about the consistency of VAR’s application and its impact on crucial moments in the match.
Looking Ahead
In a tightly contested title race, such decisions can have significant consequences. The failure to award a potential penalty in this match adds to the ongoing debate surrounding VAR and its influence on the Scottish Premiership.
FAQ
- What was the main point of contention? The denial of a penalty for Celtic after Liam Scales was allegedly held back during a corner kick.
- Who is Des Roache? A former referee who has provided analysis of the incident.
- What did Roache say about VAR’s involvement? He believes VAR should have intervened to review the incident.
Did you know? VAR’s primary function is to correct clear and obvious errors
made by the on-field officials.
Stay tuned to 247sports.news for continued coverage of the Scottish Premiership and expert analysis of key match decisions.