Celtic emerged as Scottish Cup winners last Saturday thanks to a dramatic 90th-minute goal from Adam Idah, securing a double for Brendan Rodgers in his first season back at the helm.

However, the victory was not without its controversies, particularly concerning a penalty claim that was not awarded to Celtic.

During the first half of the match, a header from Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi struck the outstretched hand of Ben Davies. The incident was reviewed by John Beaton on VAR, but the decision was to continue play without awarding a penalty. This decision sparked considerable debate, especially in light of previous decisions involving similar circumstances.

Stephen McGowan and Ewan Murray, speaking on Graham Spiers’ press box podcast, delved into the details of the incident.

McGowan pointed out the inconsistency in the application of the handball rule by referencing a previous penalty conceded by Celtic, where Beaton was also on VAR duty.

He said, “Ewan and me were discussing this after the game and it’s interesting from John Beaton’s point of view. Look at the penalty Celtic conceded at Tynecastle where John Beaton was on VAR.

“The tariff that was applied there compared to yesterday, my opinion is that Davies’ hand was extended beyond his natural silhouette, so I’ve seen them given. Personally to me, it’s a lazy old rule. I don’t think they should be penalties but under the current laws of the handball rule it’s a strong claim.”

Ewan Murray added to the discussion by highlighting the reaction of the player involved, Ben Davies, whose immediate response seemed to indicate that he too thought it might have been a penalty. Murray noted, “On the basis that the SFA said that that [Penalty against Celtic at Tynecaste] was the wrong decision, two wrongs don’t make a right would be their response to that.

“I thought what was telling was Davies’ own reaction. His reaction suggested that he thought it was a penalty.”