Celtic profit from major injustice as Cameron Carter-Vickers footage re-analysed – pundit
Alan Hutton has claimed the handball rule needs to change after Celtic were awarded a penalty against Ross County on Sunday (2 April).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Rangers defender said although the penalty was rightly awarded against County’s Alex Iacovitti, the rules are “harsh”.
As shown on Sky Sports (3 April), the Hoops were awarded a spot-kick after Cameron Carter-Vickers’ header struck Iacovitti’s arm inside Ross County’s penalty area.
Referee Willie Collum did not initially point to the spot but after being instructed to consult the pitchside monitor, the penalty was awarded.
Jota converted the spot kick right at the end of the first half and the Celts went on to win the game 2-0.
Hutton agreed with the decision but insisted the rule is problematic.
“It does seem very harsh,” he told Football Insider.
“I know people will say whatever they are going to say about the situation but I think sometimes a little bit of common sense is needed.
“I understand the rules, if your arm is away from your body and it strikes you it is a penalty. I get it. That is why it was given.
“I just think the defender’s arm is in a natural position because he is flinging his head forward and then it touches the top of his arm.
“By the letter of the law it is a penalty. But common sense says that he does not even know the ball is there, he is not stopping it from going in the goal, he has not meant to do it. I think the rule needs to be looked at because it is very harsh.“
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