'The law was changed' - Ex-refs chief re-analyses Celtic vs Dundee United controversy

The officials were right to award Celtic’s second goal despite a handball in the build-up in their 4-0 victory over Dundee United in the Scottish League Cup on Saturday.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that because the handball was accidental, Camilo Duran’s goal was allowed to stand.

Midway through the first-half, Celtic’s new attacker calmly dispatched the ball into the net from close range.

However, in the build-up, Kasper Hogh appeared to handle the ball when under challenge.

VAR did proceed to check the goal, but gave the all-clear to referee Steven McLean to allow the visitors to go 2-0 up.

Now, Hackett has insisted that the officials made the right call as Celtic progressed into the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals.

Keith Hackett: Complex new handball rules allowed Camilo Duran goal to stand

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett explained why he believed that Celtic’s second goal was allowed to stand.

He said: “The incident in the Celtic game highlights the complexity of the handball law.

“There is no doubt that the ball struck the arm of the player sliding on the ground.

“This action was accidental, and had the ball gone directly into goal, having come off the attacker, it would have been ruled out.

“However, the accidental handball went to a colleague who scored.

“The law was changed, and the decision to allow the goal is the correct decision.”

What were the stats in Dundee United vs Celtic?

While Dundee United were perhaps unlucky not to score, having hit the woodwork five times, Celtic were no doubt the deserved winners.

The Hoops completely played the hosts off the park for most of the game, and could have easily scored more.

This is shown in the stats, with Celtic having 11 shots and eight on target compared to the Tangerines’ 11 and zero.

Therefore, any Rangers or Hearts officials watching on will be concerned, with Celtic looking the clear title favourites early on.

However, it remains to be seen if the Hoops can keep up this pace throughout an entire campaign, especially if they are to qualify for the Champions League’s league phase at the end of the month.