Ex-Fifa official issues emphatic Celtic v Rangers verdict as Liel Abada footage analysed
Keith Hackett has agreed with referee Nick Walsh’s decision not to award a penalty to Celtic against Rangers on Saturday (3 September).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League official said Ryan Kent’s challenge on Liel Abada, 20, was not a penalty.
As shown on the BBC programme Sportscene (3 September), Kent made a challenge on Abada in the Gers’ 18-yard-box.
Abada went down and appealed for a penalty but referee Nick Walsh waved play on.
The Hoops went on to win the Glasgow derby 4-0 with the Israeli netting two of the four goals.
Ange Postecoglou’s side continued their winning start to the season with the victory and are now six games unbeaten in the Scottish top flight.
Hackett agreed with the decision of Nick Walsh on Saturday.
“I think on that penalty shout, I don’t think it was one,” he said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“He was in a good position, he made a good choice and for me I’m supporting him. He’s got an assistant referee, he’s seen it, his body language says he’s not having it. His assistant’s not come in. For me, he’s got that one right.“
Abada has now scored six goals and provided one assist for the Celts in six games for far this season.
Celtic face Real Madrid in the first game of the Champions League group stage on Tuesday (6 September).
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