Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has backed both penalty calls from Celtic’s 3-2 win over Motherwell at the weekend.
The first-half spot-kick awarded to Celtic came after Callum McGregor’s shot struck the outstretched arm of Regan Charles-Cook. Referee Callum Scott pointed to the spot immediately, and Gallagher believes the decision was the correct one.
“I think once your arm is up that high you are always going to get penalised,” Gallagher said. “The only doubt is, is it in the penalty area? You can see the referee’s position is perfect and can see it is in the penalty area. Penalty given on the field, correctly.”
Later in the game, VAR intervened to award Motherwell a penalty after Marcelo Saracchi was adjudged to have caught Tawanda Maswanhise inside the box. The challenge initially looked innocuous, but replays showed Saracchi catching the forward’s foot as he attempted to shield the ball.
Gallagher again backed the officials’ decision, explaining on Sky Sports Ref Watch: “He just stands on his foot. He doesn’t mean to do it, but if you watch there, he just catches him. He is in possession of the ball, and he is going to gain the ball, so VAR intervenes — penalty.”
The two decisions were among several flashpoints in a game full of momentum swings and late drama. Celtic were grateful to Daizen Maeda for his stoppage-time header that secured all three points.
Gallagher’s assessment offers some clarity and backing for referee Scott and the VAR team, who handled two big moments in what proved to be one of the most intense domestic fixtures of the season so far.
Brendan Rodgers and his side will look to reset and kick on over the international break, with performances lacking so far this season. Hopefully, Rodgers’ team come out of the traps flying in Dundee.
