Celtic news: Pundit baffled as ‘strange’ footage emerges from Aberdeen clash
Aberdeen should have been awarded a late penalty against Celtic in their Scottish Cup semi-final on Saturday (20 April).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Rangers and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton claimed Cameron Carter-Vickers’ kick on Junior Hoilett in the 112th minute was a “stonewall” spot-kick.
With the game 3-2 in the Hoops’ favour, footage showed that the Dons were initially awarded a penalty, but following a lengthy VAR check, referee Don Robertson overturned his decision and awarded Celtic a freekick for Hoilett’s challenge on Alistair Johnston moments before.
Aberdeen still took the game to extra time after Angus MacDonald’s 119th-minute equaliser, but Brendan Rodgers’ side secured their progression to the final after winning the tense penalty shootout.
Celtic benefitted from ‘strange’ decision v Aberdeen – Hutton
Hutton suggested that the pressure of the situation may have impacted Robertson’s actions, but was adamant that the wrong decision was made.
“It was a penalty – absolutely nailed on,” he told Football Insider.
“There’s no other way around it.
“The ball comes into the box and Johnston and Junior Hoilett go up for the header.
“Hoilett then gets on the ball, takes a touch and Carter-Vickers kicks him.
“He knew what he did – everyone in the stadium thought it was a penalty.
“If the referee thought that Hoilett’s [foul on Johnston] was a foul, blow it and give it straight away.
“But the game played on for five or six seconds and then he brings it back.
“It was a really strange decision for me.
“He may have felt the pressure at this moment in time and it should have been a penalty – stonewall.”
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