McManus lambasts VAR as Celtic centre of controversial development – ‘this keeps happening’
Celtic should not have been awarded a penalty in their win over Livingston at the weekend.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about a controversial moment in the final moments of the game.
Celtic were awarded a late penalty in their 3-0 win over Livingston on Sunday (30 October).
After a VAR check, a handball was awarded against Andrew Shinnie after Jota’s cross was blocked by his arms but Georgios Giakoumakis failed to convert from the spot.
McManus has slammed the consistency of VAR after a similar decision was not awarded in Celtic’s recent game against Hearts.
“I thought it was really harsh, I don’t think it was a penalty, to be honest,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“We saw the week before that Celtic weren’t awarded a penalty for the exact same thing against Hearts. They didn’t give it, this keeps happening.
“Forrest chipped it off the Hearts lad’s hand and nothing was given. It was basically the same moment in this game at it was given.
“If you are a striker in the box and you are struggling, they are just going to try and kick it off the defender’s arms now, they won’t even shoot.
“I thought it was really harsh, not a penalty for me.”
Kyogo Furuhashi, Greg Taylor and Jota scored the goals in the eventual 3-0 win over Livingston.
The Hoops are next in action against Real Madrid on Wednesday (2 November).
In other news, a pundit has suggested when Ange Postecoglou could agree ‘huge’ deal as Celtic exit quotes emerge.