‘REF DENIED US LATE PENALTY-KICK,’ INSISTS RODGERS

BRENDAN RODGERS reckons Celtic were denied a late penalty-kick in their 2-2 draw with Hibs at Parkhead yesterday.

The Hoops boss claimed it was the
hardest domestic game he has faced since taking over from Ronny Deila, but he insisted referee Willie Collum should have awarded his team a spot-kick late in the contest.

Following doubles from Callum McGregor and John McGinn, ex-Celt 
Efe Ambrose appeared to haul back Scotty 
Sinclair the box before the ball struck Paul Hanlon’s hand from Leigh Griffiths’ shot.

Rodgers said: “We should have had a penalty at the end. It looks clear. You work so hard to get back in the game then the player has his arms up to block. Willie is only six yards away.

“It has gone now, but 
everyone could see it. We needed something to go for us, but it wasn’t to be. However, I’m pleased with our resilience.

“It’s the toughest test we’ve had domestically. There’s no question.

“So big credit to my players. That mentality, strength and character really came through.

“Hibs have pace in good areas, strength and power and had a good week to prepare.

“So for us it was a great result. We’ve shown on this run of 58 games why it’s so tough.

“When you’re playing lots of games in tough competitions you can lose those types of games. We really had to dig deep.”

Rodgers also heaped praise on keeper Craig Gordon who pulled off an amazing stop to foil Steven Whittaker from close range at 1-1.

He added: “That save was unbelievable. It was so vital. He celebrated it and there were 57,000 with him celebrating.”