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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

David Bates Celtic penalty decision sparks 'contact' debate as pundits clash over Aberdeen defender flashpoint

Pundits have clashed over the controversial penalty awarded to Aberdeen during the defeat to Celtic.

Lewis Ferguson stepped up to convert from the spot after David Bates took a tumble in the box under pressure from Liel Abada.

Ange Postecoglou's side ran out winners thanks to goals from Jota and Callum McGregor, however referee Kevin Clancy's decision was questioned after the final whistle.

The BBC Sportscene panel clashed over the call from the whistler, that allowed Stephen Glass ' side a lifeline in the clash.

Richard Foster took a dim view of Bates reaction, stating: "I just don't think it's a penalty.

"I think the Celtic player swings his foot, but he doesn't make contact. It's actually then Bates who initiates the contact with the Celtic player.

"Abada makes no contact, Bates runs into him, I don't think that's a penalty.

"I would be raging if that was given against me, but I am a defender."

Fellow pundit Kenny Miller cut in the counter Foster's take, chiming in: "I would be raging if I wasn't given it to be honest.

"There is contact. I know the defender has not initiated the contact, but as David Bates is running through both left legs collide.

"There is 100 per cent contact there, and I think it is a penalty.

"It's probably soft, but there has been contact, and obviously Lewis Ferguson stepped up with a calm and composed penalty."

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