JOHN BEATON has been backed by the SFA for making the CORRECT call in awarding Celtic a stoppage-time penalty-kick in the champions’ 3-2 midweek win over Motherwell at Fir Park.
The referee has come in for a torrent of criticism following his spot-kick decision after a quickfire VAR check on the Sam Nicholson handball incident.
Andrew Dallas, the technical assistant, instructed Beaton to check out the moment the Well defender challenged Auston Trusty to a high ball after Anthony Ralston had fired in a throw from the right.
The match official had a look on the touchline monitor before coming back onto the field and pointing to the spot.
HANDS UP IF YOU THINK IT’S A PENALTY-KICK…Sam Nicholson challenges Auston Trusty to the high ball that resulted in Celtic’s stoppage-time spot-kick winner at Motherwell.
Kelechi Iheanacho despatched the award past keeper Calum Ward to make sure all three points were going to Parkhead.
Referees’ chief Willie Collum has reassured the experienced whistler that he followed SFA guidelines on handball incidents and was right to give the penalty-kick, according to a report in the Scottish Sun.
With Nicholson’s arms at head height, and perceived to be in an unnatural position, that was deemed sufficient for a spot-kick to be awarded.
However, the decision created furore elsewhere with Hearts boss Derek McInnes branding the call “disgusting” – a comment that may spark a reaction from the SFA.
The Edinburgh club now face the champions at Parkhead tomorrow afternoon when Martin O’Neill’s side, a point adrift, require a win to seal their fifth successive title.
Don Robertson will be in charge with Kevin Clancy on VAR.
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