Celtic pulled off an incredible comeback against Dundee United. It had looked like the game was doomed for a frustrating draw before goals from Kyogo and Liel Abada very, very late on sealed the win and all three points on the day. That was not the biggest story coming out of the game though, it was the penalty incident from the first half instead.
Celtic had taken an early lead through Sead Haksabanovic before a penalty kick was awarded to Dundee United. And to be honest, it was enough to leave the fans scratching their heads.
Yes, the ball did strike the hand of Alexandro Bernabei but it was the farthest thing from intention, and his arm was completely in a natural position as well.
Bernabei had jumped for a header but it had been won by the man in front of him, then another Dundee United player headed towards goal while the Argentine defender was still in mid air from his initial jump and due to the natural movement involved, his hand was slightly behind him and the ball struck his arm. Unless the left-back has eyes behind his head, that was completely unintentional. But not only was it adjudged to be a penalty but a booking for him as well, leading to his substitution at half-time for Greg Taylor.
Celtic must raise questions in public after Dundee United game
It might be easy to sweep that decision under the carpet after what turned to be a thrilling win for Celtic. But that is the last thing that the Hoops need to do.
Questions must be raised in public and the decision to give it not only as a penalty kick but also a yellow card has to be explained, because it makes very little sense.
Since VAR has come into play, it feels like the referees have just become over reliant on it, and it is not just hurting the flow of the game but the right decisions are not even being made after all this.