The fallout from Celtic’s 4-1 victory over Ross County last weekend has continued, with the SFA’s Key Match Incident panel divided over the decision to award a late penalty to the Scottish Premiership champions.

The controversial incident occurred late in the game as Celtic winger Yang Hyun-jun was brought down in the box by Ross County defender James Brown. Referee Matthew McDermid initially waved play on, but following a VAR review, the decision was overturned, and a penalty was awarded to Celtic.
The KMI panel has revealed a split verdict on the decision after an in-depth discussion. In a statement, they explained:
“The panel discussed this decision at length with the majority (4:1) deeming the on-field decision incorrect. One panelist believed that a penalty should not have been awarded and VAR was incorrect to intervene. The majority (3:2) believed VAR was correct to intervene and recommend a review for a possible penalty kick. Although one panelist believed a penalty should have been awarded, they felt it did not meet the threshold for VAR intervention.”
James McFadden, on co-commentary duties for Sky Sports, was adamant that it wasn’t a penalty, stating that Brown’s challenge didn’t meet the standard for a foul. He must’ve been on the panel!
Meanwhile, the KMI panel did not review claims from some pundits, including Kris Boyd, that Celtic defender Alistair Johnston should have been sent off for conceding a penalty earlier in the match. This lack of review effectively puts an end to that debate and should silence Boyd’s insistence on a red card for Johnston.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers addressed the decision post-match, backing the officials and stating, “Both penalties that were given were correct. Both full-backs were on the wrong side, they don’t get the ball and make contact with the player. Matthew made the right decisions.”
The SFA’s divided panel adds another layer to the ongoing debate over VAR’s use in Scottish football. For Celtic, the penalty and subsequent retaken spot-kick from Arne Engels ultimately helped them seal the win and maintain their commanding lead at the top of the Premiership table.
However, with the panel’s division now public, it’s unlikely that this will be the last time the incident is discussed, particularly as VAR continues to be a lightning rod for criticism across the league.
For Celtic fans, though, the focus remains on their next challenge: a Scottish Cup clash with Kilmarnock this weekend. Whether or not this decision adds fuel to VAR debates, it won’t change the league table or Celtic’s continued dominance this season.
Did he play the ball? No. Did he stop the forward from playing the ball? Yes. Penalty every day in every league in the world (except in Scotland when it concerns Celtic).