BBC Pundit Michael Stewart believes his old side did NOT get away with one when it came to the hand ball penalty claim against Celtic on Saturday.
The game was sitting at 1-1 when Hearts player Michael Smith stops the momentum of the ball with his hand which was out with a natural position. Not according to former Hearts player Michael Stewart.
He told BBC Sportscene: “Nick Walsh again is in the perfect position and I think he comes to the right decision.
“It’s not a case of not hitting the ball, his arm is in a completely natural position.
“I can understand why some people see this as a penalty.
“The rules are if it’s a deliberate handball or if he’s making his body bigger and it’s not part of a natural movement.”
Michael is trying to be cute here. We’ve saw these penalties given again and again by VAR in the Champions League and down south. The fact there was no real proper check and it was waived away within seconds is mind boggling.
It’s even more astonishing Michael is trying to somehow excuse both the referee and the VAR official. It’s as clear as day, and he’s the first pundit I’ve come across since the game who has attempted to dispute the penalty.
Celtic got zero penalties on the day but still managed to win 4-3 despite the poor calls. Ange Postecoglou also called out the decision not to award Celtic a penalty after the match. Something the manager is very reluctant to do in his post match chats.
