Charlie Mulgrew baffled by David Dickinson’s VAR call

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·9. Februar 2026

Charlie Mulgrew baffled by David Dickinson’s VAR call

The SFA has tried to justify its reasoning behind the decision not to award Tomas Cvancara a penalty during Celtic’s Scottish Cup tie with Dundee on Saturday night…

In a goalless first half, the Czech forward appeared to be shoved by Dundee’s Luke Graham near the edge of the 18-yard box – a moment that television replays suggested may have occurred on the line.

Referee Ryan Lee awarded a free-kick just outside the box, even after VAR looking at the incident involving Cvancara.

OneFootball Videos

At half-time, Premier Sports presenter Emma Dodds relayed an explanation from the SFA outlining why the original call stood.

“In the 38th minute, a free kick is correctly awarded outside the penalty area because the pushing began outside and continued inside,” Dodds read. “However, it can only be punished if it is holding that continues inside. Pushing can only be punished at the initial point of contact.”

Commenting on the incident on Premier Sports, ex-Celtic defender and pundit Charlie Mulgrew stated: “I don’t now how they can come up with that conclusion. You can see there is clear contact in the box. It obviously starts outside but it continues right into the corner [of the box]. A clear penalty for me.”

"I think Dundee have maybe got away with one there" 👀 @charlie_mulgrew and Tony Docherty share their thoughts on Celtic's first half penalty appeal 🗣️ #ScottishCup
– Samstag, 7. Februar 2026

Former Dundee boss Tony Docherty also gave his thoughts on the incident: “I think there is an argument that it should be. I remember a similar incident, with Braga at Hearts against Dundee United and I think the initial contact is outside where it continues into the box. It was very quick the decision, made on that.”

Celtic will head to Ibrox on the weekend of March 7–8 for their Scottish Cup quarter-final following their hard-fought win over Dundee. Martin O’Neill’s side now face an arduous run of fixtures, with two trips to Ibrox alongside away matches in Stuttgart and at Pittodrie – all packed into a demanding 10-day spell spanning late February and early March.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order