Pundit ‘baffled’ by VAR as Celtic controversy analysed – ‘it’s shocking’
Alan Hutton is baffled by the decision to award Celtic a penalty in their Scottish Cup tie against Greenock Morton on Saturday (21 January).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Rangers right-back said it is “crazy” that VAR official Craig Napier thought that Efe Ambrose’s handball was intentional.
As shown by the BBC (21 January), the Hoops were not initially awarded a spot kick after Liel Abada’s shot deflected off the Morton defender and hit Ambrose’s arm from very close range.
Referee Kevin Clancy didn’t point to the spot but Napier sent the onfield referee to have another look at the incident after a lengthy stoppage.
The official awarded the penalty and Aaron Mooy slotted home before the Celts secured a 5-0 victory over the Championship side.
Hutton was shocked by the official’s decision.
“I have seen it several times and it is just annoying now,” he told Football Insider.
“It takes a deflection off the defender, onto Ambrose’s arm which is behind him. He does not even know it is there. You would probably say that his arm is in a natural position if he is trying to block the ball.
“I think it is a shocking decision. I do not really know how they are coming up with it. I am baffled when I see some of the decisions.
“Whoever is looking at VAR and thinking that is a deliberate handball is crazy. Obviously it is good for Celtic, they have missed out on a couple of penalty shouts so they will be glad to get this one. But for me that is not a penalty.”
In other news, a Celtic expert has issued emphatic Kyogo Furuhashi verdict as bid accepted.