Scottish officials have 'dug a hole for themselves' after awarding one penalty during Celtic's victory over Hearts, but not the other.
The handball rule was at the centre of the controversy during the Scottish Premiership match in Glasgow's east end.
Arne Engels and Luke McCowan opened their accounts for the club after their deadline day moves, as the champions emerged as 2-0 winners to maintain their 100 percent start to the season.
However, things could have been different had Hearts scored from the penalty that was initially awarded to them for a Liam Scales handball.
🗣️ "This is the hole we dig ourselves, as referees" 🗣️ "I don't think it is a penalty." The penalty disallowed for Hearts, plus the one awarded to Celtic were discussed on Ref Watch. What did you make of them? ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/tIYII3sABX
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) September 16, 2024
VAR intervened and the decision was overturned by referee Colin Steven, meaning no penalty to the visitors during the first half.
Later in the game though, Celtic were then awarded a spot kick after James Penrice was adjudged to have blocked a cross with his arm.
Dermot Gallagher appeared on Sky Sports' Ref Watch this morning to try explain.
He said: "You look at that last year and I think it'd definitely be given as a penalty. Is it a penalty?
"I think not, his arms are in a position you'd expect them to be, making a challenge, he's gone to head the ball, wants balance and it was quite right to send him to the screen and drop the ball rather than penalty.
"What was different for Penrice? This is the problem isn't it? This is the hole sometimes we dig ourselves as referees, in this one he says the arm is outstretched to block the cross.
"You'll see the way the player reacts, he's trying to get his arm in very quickly. I think it's given because his arm is outstretched."
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Pundit Stephen Warnock came in: "I thought the one given against Celtic was the right decision to overturn it and make sure it's not a penalty.
"The Penrice one I don't think is a penalty either, because what can he do? It's just... I don't understand where you want him to go.
"The speed of the ball, look at the distance, what, two yards? There's just no way he can do anything."
Gallagher concluded the topic, saying: "It leads to the debate, that's why I use the phrase we dig a hole for ourselves. Give them both, or give neither."
