Hackett calls for SFA intervention after Rangers v Celtic controversy | OneFootball

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Football Insider

·19 April 2021

Hackett calls for SFA intervention after Rangers v Celtic controversy

Article image:Hackett calls for SFA intervention after Rangers v Celtic controversy

Keith Hackett has called on the Scottish FA to explain why Celtic were awarded a penalty kick in their 2-0 loss to Rangers on Sunday.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-FIFA and Premier League referee revealed he would not have given a spot-kick for Joe Aribo’s challenge on Leigh Griffiths but Bobby Madden may have seen something not picked up by the television cameras.


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Odsonne Edouard fired in a free-kick in the second half and it deflected off the wall into the path of Griffiths who was adjudged to have been pulled back by Aribo.

Article image:Hackett calls for SFA intervention after Rangers v Celtic controversy

Allan McGregor saved Edouard’s resulting penalty and Rangers saw out the victory as they progressed to the Scottish Cup quarter-final.

Asked for his assessment of the incident, Hackett told Football Insider Connor Whitley: “Not a penalty for me.

“I’m searching to find the offence. He’s [Bobby Madden] in a brilliant position. I’m not giving a penalty kick for that.

“Whilst I’m negative about the decision, he’s probably in a better view of it than me – even with television.

“We don’t know what he’s actually seen. I’m making a judgement there’s no offence but did he see something that wasn’t seen on television?

“This is the outcome of players going to ground easily to try and make the referee make a big decision. He’s used his experience, he’s not giving anything unless he’s seen it. I think this guy’s a good referee.

“For me, football’s a contact sport and that’s why I’m critical of the penalty decision. The criticism is, the referee was looking in. Are the Scottish FA going to come out and clarify why the penalty kick was given? The referee may have seen something that we’re not focusing on?

“We don’t know if he’s warned players to stop holding and pulling. For me, I’d like some clarification, please.

Article image:Hackett calls for SFA intervention after Rangers v Celtic controversy

“From what I see I wouldn’t award a penalty kick but what did Bobby Madden see?

“He was absolutely certain, his body language was positive and he did everything he can to sell that decision. He’s clear in his mind that he’s right in what he’s given.”

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