Exclusive: Hackett reacts after Johnston concedes Celtic penalty to Ross County
Keith Hackett has reacted to Matthew MacDermid’s decision to award a penalty against Celtic defender Alistair Johnston in their victory at Ross County.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Canada international clearly impeded Kieran Phillips from behind to concede a spot-kick.
Brendan Rodgers’ side maintained their grip at the top of the Scottish Premiership table with a 4-1 win at Dingwall.
However, Celtic were given a scare in that match when they found themselves pulled back to 1-1 with half-an-hour to go, and Hackett believes they can have no complaints about Ross’ equaliser.
Celtic roar back to win under Brendan Rodgers
The visitors had taken the lead in that game at Dingwall, with Kyogo Furuhashi giving them the lead five minutes before half-time.
Celtic though gifted their visitors a way back into the game with an hour on the clock after conceding a penalty.
As Jack Grieves fired a cross into the Bhoys’ penalty area, Phillips was able to get in front of Johnston at the back post.
He then went down under pressure from the full-back, prompting referee MacDermid to point to the spot.
The penalty was then confirmed after a VAR check, with Jordan White firing in from the spot, and Hackett believes the right decision was given in awarding a spot-kick against Celtic.
Speaking to Football Insider about the decision, the former referee said:
“There is no doubt that Scottish referees penalise in a consistent manner upper body foul challenges inside the penalty area.
“The defender was caught out of position and clearly leaned into the back of his opponent. The referee was decisive and correct to award the penalty kick.”
A second goal from Furuhashi, along with an Arne Engels penalty and Luke McCowan finish did though go on to secure a convincing win for Celtic.
They are therefore now 18 points clear of Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, albeit having played a game more, in doing so marking a perfect response to their defeat to their Old Firm rivals earlier this month.
In other news, Celtic are stepping up their efforts to sign a replacement for Daizen Maeda.
For more Celtic and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.