SFA’s Key Match Incident Panel’s verdict on Celtic’s penalty in Dingwall

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·17 Januari 2025

SFA’s Key Match Incident Panel’s verdict on Celtic’s penalty in Dingwall

SFA’s Key Match Incident panel delivered their verdict on Celtic’s late penalty in Dingwall last Saturday…

Yang is brought down inside the box, Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

There was much deliberation after Celtic winger Yang Hyun-jun was challenged in the box by Ross County full-back James Brown in the latter stages of Brendan Rodgers’ side’s 4-1 victory over the Staggies last weekend.

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Matthew MacDermid dismissed the foul

On-field referee Matthew MacDermid dismissed the foul initially, waving play on, but was then called to review his decision at the monitor by VAR Greg Aitken who deemed it a clear and obvious error. The 31 year-old whistler then pointed to the spot of which Arne Engels dispatched after getting two goes at it.

Referee Matthew MacDermid. Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

The SFA Key Match Incident panel deemed there were no errors in the latest batch of Premiership matches from last weekend and the most recent midweek games.

However, the KMI panel were split on whether Matthew MacDermid should have been sent to review the decision at the VAR monitor.

Brief statement

In their brief statement, they explained: “The panel discussed this decision at length with the majority [4:1] deeming the on-field decision incorrect. One panellist believed that the penalty should not have been awarded, and VAR was incorrect to intervene. The majority [3:2] believed VAR was correct to intervene and recommend a review for a possible penalty kick. Although one panellist believed a penalty should have been awarded, they felt it did not meet the threshold for VAR intervention.”

Arne Engels celebrates.Ross County v Celtic in Dingwall. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

‘Both penalties that were given were correct,’ Brendan

Post-match Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was unequivocal in his backing of both penalties being awarded. The Irishman stated: “Both penalties that were given were correct. Both full-backs were on the wrong side, they don’t get the ball and make contact with the player. Matthew made the right decisions.”

It won’t be long before SFA Head of Refereeing Willie Collum has his say in the latest instalment of the ‘VAR Review’ where we will also get to hear the audio from the officials as well.

Conor Spence

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