The real reason St Mirren didn’t get a penalty against Celtic

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The Celtic Star

·3. März 2025

The real reason St Mirren didn’t get a penalty against Celtic

Should it have been a penalty on Saturday? Yes, every St Mirren supporter will say. Should Celtic have had a penalty against Bayern Munich? Yes, we all said so. But unfortunately the rules now say no…

No penalty to Celtic for this foot stamp on Arne Engels

Celtic survived a late scare against St Mirren on Saturday evening with the score poised at 3-2, and with St Mirren advancing in our penalty area Alistair Johnston challenged for the ball and seemed to take out his opponent in the process.

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Much to our relief the incident was cleared by VAR

Every Celtic supporter had their hands in their heads expecting the worse, even after the officials waved play on due to VAR being in operation. Much to our relief it was cleared, but having had several looks at the incident it’s clear that we were rather fortunate not to have conceded a spot kick, and St Mirren can have every right to feel aggrieved, especially as we extended our lead just soon after.

Stephen Robinson not happy with the match officials. St Mirren v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Saturday 1st March 2025. Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

🗣️ “I think everybody knows it was a penalty. He gets a slight touch and then follows through” 🗣️ “We don’t get it which isn’t really a surprise” Stephen Robinson on Alistair Johnston's challenge on Roland Idowu in their 5-2 defeat to Celtic ⬇️
– Samstag, 1. März 2025

It would be hypocritical to say otherwise as we too felt very aggrieved after we were denied a spot kick in similar circumstances against Bayern Munich at Celtic park just a few weeks ago.

I still maintain that the challenge on Arne Engels that night was worthy of a spot kick and the referee blundered by not giving it even after having the advantage of a second look. So I can only say that AJ’s challenge should have faced the same consequences on Saturday.

Referee Matthew MacDermid. St Mirren v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Saturday 1st March 2025. Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

The rules of the game as they currently stand

But here’s the most important part. Apparently going by the rules of the game, if you get a touch on the ball no matter how minimal, and take the player out, then it’s now not a foul. So unfortunately for us and for St Mirren the officials were just implementing the laws of the game, no matter how questionable they may be.

Although it will be interesting to see how the so called refereeing experts in the media spin it today…

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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