Celtic’s 5-2 win over St Mirren at the SMiSA Stadium has sparked debate after a key incident in the 86th minute, with Ibrox cheerleader Kris Boyd left fuming.
St Mirren were trailing 3-2 when Alistair Johnston’s challenge on Roland Idowu went unpunished, despite calls for a penalty from some after the game. The incident, which didn’t have much of a check by VAR according to Sky Sports’ Ian Crocker, has divided opinion among some.
Boyd’s Shock at No Penalty Decision
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd was visibly astonished by the referee’s decision not to award a penalty, speaking out on Sky Sports after the game. Boyd said: “I cannot believe this penalty has not been given. Listen, there’s a slight touch on the ball, but he goes through and absolutely wipes him out. It’s the studs right into the ankle, and I cannot believe a penalty kick has not been given.”
His frustration was shared by other pundits, with the challenge coming at a crucial time in the game, with Celtic leading 3-2 and St Mirren pushing for an equaliser.
Support for the Penalty Claim
Boyd’s comments were echoed by former Celtic manager Neil Lennon, who also believed the challenge warranted a penalty. “Being honest, I think it’s a penalty,” Lennon stated. His thoughts were reinforced by James McFadden, who agreed that the challenge was enough to warrant a penalty. “They said there was a touch on the ball and it was a natural football contact. That’s a penalty for me,” McFadden added.
The consensus among the panel was clear: despite a slight touch on the ball, the tackle was reckless and dangerous, particularly given the position of the challenge above the ankle.
The Importance of the Moment
The timing of the challenge was crucial, as Celtic quickly capitalised on the let-off. Boyd pointed out that the Hoops were able to go up the pitch and score, effectively sealing the game. “It’s a crucial time as well because Celtic go up the pitch and score,” he said, highlighting the impact of the non-call on the outcome of the match.
A Debatable Decision in an Eventful Game
While Celtic went on to win 5-2, the debate surrounding the Alistair Johnston challenge is likely to rumble on, with both St Mirren and Celtic supporters offering differing views on whether a penalty should have been awarded.
With Celtic maintaining their strong lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership, it’s clear that decisions like these will continue to be a talking point in the weeks to come.
However, with Celtic on the end of a number of poor decisions from VAR this season, it shows that the technology is not always as reliable as it should be in ensuring the right outcome in key moments of the game.
Johnston’s tackle might receive widespread coverage across Scotland for the next week, but given how Celtic were wrongly disallowed an equaliser against Hibs just a week ago, it’s not as if the Hoops haven’t had decisions go against them by VAR this season.
