Dermot Gallagher has shared his views on the penalty claim during Celtic’s recent 3-1 win over St Johnstone, in the latest episode of Sky Sports’ Ref Watch.
The incident in question occurred when Celtic’s Daizen Maeda took a shot at goal, which was blocked on the line by St Johnstone defender Luke Robinson. The ball appeared to strike Robinson’s arm, but referee Euan Anderson did not award a penalty, nor was the incident deemed worthy of an on-pitch review by VAR Chris Graham.
Handball Rule in the Bin
This is the One that ridicules everything they have tried to chance
If a hand is used, in stopping a goal, irrespective of any rule/ever:
• Unnatural
• Deliberate
• Accidental
• Hand by sideIf it Stops a ⚽️ = Penpic.twitter.com/xtqrSxnyHU
— John Walker (@johnwalker_1986) March 17, 2024
Gallagher defended the decision, citing it as a demonstration of common sense given the circumstances.
He said: [Sky Sports] “I have to say I think this is a very common sense decision.
“When you look at that, it strikes his arm, he is on the goal line, he has no chance of avoiding that. It is kicked from two or three yards.
“If the referee gives a penalty then he has to give a red card. It is just too harsh. I think the referee has done the right thing, there is no way he can avoid that ball striking him. It is impossible.”
This stance, however, marks a shift from Gallagher’s previous praises for consistency in Scottish refereeing, raising questions about the application of ‘common sense’ in similar situations.
For instance, comparisons might be drawn to a previous handball decision involving Iwata in a mid-air position against Hearts, where the ball changed direction just inches away. To award that penalty was no common sense?
And, if the referees were consistent, Celtic would’ve had a spot kick on Saturday.
Dermot’s lining himself up for Crawford’s job…
Isn’t it amazing just how many so called Celtic minded people totally change their outlook when taking money from and working within such a Hun minded institution?
Sky sports is nearly on par with scum TV in there views these days along with viaplay and tnt with there anti Celtic ramblings and promoting scum at the same time?
When has common sense ever been used in Scottish football for our benefit?
It just doesn’t happen, and would the same conclusion been given if it involved the scum?
Of course not, as there would have been blue murder about the rules of the game not being applied properly?
Interpretation of the rules of the game is a massive issue within Scottish football.
And hardly helps matters when clowns such as dermot has become, siding with scum?