Keith Hackett wants IFAB law change after controversial Celtic incident in win vs Falkirk
Celtic’s winning goal against Falkirk on Wednesday was right to stand, according to Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett.
Benjamin Nygren found the all-important difference as Celtic beat Falkirk 1-0 at Falkirk Stadium, marking consecutive wins under Martin O’Neill.
It was far from a convincing victory for the Bhoys, but the Northern Irishman was pleased to see his side get over the line.
O’Neill returned to Celtic again last week, less than two months after he had initially left in the wake of the new manager’s arrival.
Wilfried Nancy was sacked by Celtic after just 33 days in charge, with his side having lost five of the seven games he guided them in.
Keith Hackett hopes Celtic goal can spur rule change
Both Falkirk, and fans of rival Scottish Premiership teams, were left unhappy with the goal that ultimately saw Celtic leave with the three points.
There was nothing wrong with the way Nygren nodded in Arne Engels‘ corner, with the focus instead on the role of Daizen Maeda.
The Japan international was standing directly behind goalkeeper Scott Bain as the corner came in, and gave him a bump on the back to knock him off course.
The goalkeeper had not even been looking at Maeda, and while the knock likely prevented him from making an attempt to punch away the cross, there was no intervention from the video assistant referee.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett said: “Football is a contact sport and goalkeepers will face this type of challenge in every game.
“The match officials were correct in allowing the goal to stand. One day, I hope to see the lawmakers adopt the same protocol that operates on set-piece free kicks.
“I.e. attackers and defenders must be one metre apart at the kick. Extend this protocol into corner kicks and it will stop the rugby-style approach by attackers and defenders that goes unpunished.”
John McGlynn proud of Falkirk despite harsh blow
Falkirk manager John McGlynn was keen to steer away from any complaints about Celtic’s winner, instead focusing on his own team.
The home side were incredibly unlucky to walk away without anything to show for their efforts, after Kasper Schmeichel produced a stunning display.
| Falkirk | Match stats | Celtic |
| 43% | Possession | 57% |
| 11 | Shots | 8 |
| 6 | On target | 2 |
| 1.77 | Expected goals (xG) | 0.77 |
| 3 | Corners | 4 |
The Dane made six saves and was praised by McGlynn, despite the manager’s frustration at not being able to beat him.
“We had three good chances in the first half and, in the second half, Schmeichel makes a fantastic save,” he said after the game.
“So I’m absolutely gutted for our players. They put so much into the game, they played particularly well. We have kept them quiet tonight. I have played Celtic before and the goalkeeper has been our best player, but that was not the case tonight.”