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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

John Hartson blasts Celtic penalty call as he insists Aberdeen 'bought' the decision in scathing rant

Furious John Hartson unleashed on referee Kevin Clancy after he awarded Aberdeen a penalty against Celtic.

Ange Postecoglou's men would run out winners at Celtic Park as goals from Jota and Callum McGregor cancelled out Lewis Ferguson's leveller from the spot.

However, Parkhead legend Hartson was incensed that whistler Clancy awarded a foul against Abada for the first half spot-kick.

With the ball bouncing in the box following a corner, David Bates tumbled under pressure from the Israel international.

Hartson claims that there was no contact at all, and insists it's former Rangers man Bates who should have been in trouble with the official.

When discussing the incident on Celtic TV, the Welshman said: "It's Abada on Bates, but I've seen this now three or four times, and for me there is no contact.

"Abada pulls his foot away. Not only is it not a penalty for me, but it's a yellow card for Bates also.

"But the referee couldn't point his finger quick enough to the spot.

(SNS Group)

"I genuinely think there is no contact at all there and Abada and Celtic have been really hard done by.

" Lewis Ferguson steps up and was really calm, and takes a good penalty, but it should never have got to there.

"I genuinely don't think Abada touches Bates at all. I think they have bought a decision off the referee there Aberdeen."

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