Dermot Gallagher has shared his views on the penalty claim during Celtic’s recent 3-1 win over St Johnstone, in the latest episode of Sky Sports’ Ref Watch.
The incident in question occurred when Celtic’s Daizen Maeda took a shot at goal, which was blocked on the line by St Johnstone defender Luke Robinson. The ball appeared to strike Robinson’s arm, but referee Euan Anderson did not award a penalty, nor was the incident deemed worthy of an on-pitch review by VAR Chris Graham.
Handball Rule in the Bin
This is the One that ridicules everything they have tried to chance
If a hand is used, in stopping a goal, irrespective of any rule/ever:
• Unnatural
• Deliberate
• Accidental
• Hand by sideIf it Stops a ⚽️ = Penpic.twitter.com/xtqrSxnyHU
— John Walker (@johnwalker_1986) March 17, 2024
Gallagher defended the decision, citing it as a demonstration of common sense given the circumstances.
He said: [Sky Sports] “I have to say I think this is a very common sense decision.
“When you look at that, it strikes his arm, he is on the goal line, he has no chance of avoiding that. It is kicked from two or three yards.
“If the referee gives a penalty then he has to give a red card. It is just too harsh. I think the referee has done the right thing, there is no way he can avoid that ball striking him. It is impossible.”
This stance, however, marks a shift from Gallagher’s previous praises for consistency in Scottish refereeing, raising questions about the application of ‘common sense’ in similar situations.
For instance, comparisons might be drawn to a previous handball decision involving Iwata in a mid-air position against Hearts, where the ball changed direction just inches away. To award that penalty was no common sense?
And, if the referees were consistent, Celtic would’ve had a spot kick on Saturday.
