Celtic’s Boxing Day victory over Motherwell featured a key moment that sparked debate: the penalty awarded to the Hoops in first-half injury time, which Arne Engels converted to break the deadlock.
The incident, involving Hyunjun Yang and Motherwell goalkeeper Aston Oxborough, was dissected on BBC Sportscene, with former players Steven Naismith and Scott Allan offering their perspectives.
Former Rangers forward and ex-Hearts manager Steven Naismith acknowledged the penalty’s legitimacy but described it as soft.
“I think it’s soft but it’s great forward play,” Naismith said. “He’s anticipated it and asked the question—that’s exactly what you want. He asked the question and got the penalty after it.”
Scott Allan, a former Celtic player, took a more definitive stance, believing the referee made the correct call.
“I think Yang gets to the ball first, and Oxborough comes through the back of him. I think it’s just a penalty,” Allan stated.
The penalty came as Yang latched onto a ball in the box, beating Oxborough to the touch. The goalkeeper collided with the winger as he attempted to clear, and the referee deemed the challenge illegal. Despite some protests from Motherwell, the decision stood, and Engels confidently slotted the penalty home, sending Oxborough the wrong way.
The debate mirrors a broader discussion about what constitutes a “soft” penalty in modern football. While Naismith’s assessment suggests Yang’s anticipation played a crucial role in winning the penalty, Allan’s analysis underscores the physicality of Oxborough’s challenge, which he believes justified the referee’s decision.
But as our favourite pundit Kris Boyd used to say, when his beloved side got a questionable spot kick, you get hard-boiled eggs and soft-boiled eggs, but it’s still an egg.
Ultimately, the penalty proved a turning point in the match, helping Celtic to a commanding 4-0 victory. While the decision may have sparked debate, the Hoops will feel their persistence and attacking intent earned them the breakthrough.
