SFA chief admits Celtic defender was fortunate to avoid penalty call at St Mirren

Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum has admitted that Celtic defender Alistair Johnston was fortunate to escape conceding a penalty during the Hoops’ 5-2 victory over St Mirren in Paisley.

The incident occurred when St Mirren’s Roland Idowu was brought down in the box by the Canadian international while Celtic held a slender 3-2 lead.

Referee Matthew MacDermid opted against awarding a spot-kick, and VAR official Andrew Dallas upheld the decision despite large protests from the home side.

However, speaking on The VAR Review, Collum conceded that the wrong call had been made.

(Image: Scottish FA)

“This should have been a penalty,” Collum said. “I think there is a difference between touching the ball and playing the ball. It is a minimal touch on the ball, it’s not playing the ball, then reckless contact.”

Celtic went on to extend their lead and secure a comfortable Scottish Premiership win at the SMISA Stadium, but the controversy surrounding the decision has sparked fresh debate over refereeing standards and the use of VAR in Scottish football.