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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Matthew Fulton

Celtic penalty vs Hibs earns unanimous BBC pundit verdict as panel deliver assessment on big call

BBC Sportscene pundits were unanimous in their assessment that Celtic should NOT have received a penalty against Hibernian.

Ange Postecoglou's side responded to an early scare at Celtic Park with three goals to maintain their precious nine-point advantage over rivals Rangers after Carl Starfelt had conceded a penalty in the first half for a shirt pull that was awarded after a VAR review. In the second half it was roles reversed as Steven McLean pointed to the spot following a wrestle between Paul Hanlon and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The resulting spot kick saw Jota convert before Oh and Sead Haksabanovic got in on the act to down Lee Johnson's side. But former Rangers hero Neil McCann insists the awarding of the penalty was 'soft' and that the official could not have given it with full confidence given that he wasn't looking at the incident.

READ MORE: Giorgos Giakoumakis post Celtic lift off at Atlanta Utd as first goal speech lands dressing room cheer

Speaking on BBC Sportscene, McCann said: “They got back into the game and I think it’s a soft penalty.

"We’re going to highlight Paul Hanlon and [Cameron] Carter-Vickers and the only time he’s got any impeding on Carter-Vickers is at the very beginning but as they come round, watch Carter-Vickers hook his right arm around Paul Hanlon there and go down.

“I don’t think that’s a penalty. Steven McLean isn’t even looking at it when he blows. He’s initially looking at it then he turns away then gives it.”

Former defender Foster added: “I agree with Neil. It’s very soft. Initially Hanlon isn’t looking at the ball and could impede him but I don’t know if the ball is in play at that moment but Neil is right, he then hooks his arm and uses that to spin off and then throws himself to the ground.

"For someone as big and strong as him, Hanlon has not thrown him to the ground, he’s thrown himself to the ground."

READ NEXT:

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- Ange Postecoglou issues Celtic treble response as he makes 'formula' claim with Carl Starfelt update

- Cameron Carter-Vickers 'best in league' claims Ange Postecoglou as boss 'happy to argue' Celtic fact

- The unseen Yuki Kobayashi Celtic factor revealed as Ange Postecoglou expects 'strong contributor'

- Leigh Griffiths' Mandurah City transfer lands 'simple as that' tag as ex-Celtic star raises profile

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