Former Premier League ref weighs in on Clancy penalty decision | OneFootball

Celtic overcame Aberdeen yesterday at Celtic Park as a bizarre winner was enough to separate the sides. However, one talking point came from the afternoon and that was the decision by referee Kevin Clancy to give the Dons a penalty. Liel Abada and Dons defender David Bates appeared to come together in the Celtic box, allowing Stephen Glass’ side to draw level.

Despite Aberdeen starting brightly, Celtic turned up the intensity and began to control proceedings. Ange Postecoglou’s side took a deserved lead through a Jota goal, who linked up well with Callum McGregor before firing beyond Joe Lewis.

Shortly afterwards, Aberdeen pulled one back from the spot thanks to Lewis Ferguson, levelling things up at the break. David Bate was adjudged to have been fouled by Liel Abada but replays seem to suggest that there was little contact between the Israeli winger and Dons defender.

However, the decision from Kevin Clancy to give the spot kick has been blasted by Celtic supporters and pundits, who believe that David Bates had bought the penalty. Although, former Premier League whistleblower Dermot Gallagher told Sky Sports that he thinks that Clancy was right.

“Penalty. Unfortunate, but it’s a penalty, isn’t it?

“He dangles a leg, he doesn’t mean to trip him but he does trip him.

“The referee has an absolutely perfect view.”

Celtic got a deserved lead in bizarre circumstances with Callum McGregor netting, even if the skipper didn’t know too much about it. James McCarthy slid a tidy ball into the path of Liel Abada, who was spurned by Joe Lewis before Jonny Hayes went to hook the ball clear. His ball thundered off of McGregor and rippled the net.

The focus now switches to Thursday night where Celtic will face Hearts at Celtic Park, 24 hours after Rangers visit Easter Road to face Hibs.