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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Liam Bryce

Steve McManaman rages at Celtic double penalty blow as furious pundit goes off about 'awful' decisions

Angry Steve McManaman branded Celtic's double penalty woe "rubbish" and "awful" after they were punished twice against Real Madrid.

The European champions were awarded a pair of first-half spot-kicks to take control of the final group stage clash as Luka Modric and Rodrygo both converted. Twice it was the handball rule that went against Celtic, with Moritz Jenz and Matt O'Riley both being penalised. Ange Postecoglou 's side were awarded a spot-kick of their own before the half was out - but Los Blancos keeper Thibaut Courtois got the better of Josip Juranovic.

Pundit and former Liverpool McManaman was left exasperated by the two decisions against Postecoglou's side, insisting the latest interpretation of the handball rule is "spoiling the game". He said on BT Sport: "I personally think the two Real Madrid penalties are awful, rubbish. They spoil the game, they're terrible decisions. Yes, the ball strikes the arm on both of them but if Fede Valverde hits it properly it avoids the defender completely.

"Celtic have been really unlucky. Yes, it's hits his arm and it's in the penalty area, but there's just no real reasoning behind the play itself. I was really disappointed with it.

"(Second penalty) Why is VAR getting involved? We know it's hits his hand but it was going 20 yards wide. O'Riley has to defend his goal, you can't expect to run across with his arms by his side like a mannequin. It beggars belief some of these decisions, it really does."

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