It came as no surprise to football fans in Scotland with Chris Sutton capturing the mood in typically sarcastic style.
Soon after Scott Wright had given Steven Gerrard’s side the lead the former Aberdeen striker was back in his own box defending a cross from the left.
With an opponent behind him he instinctively stuck out his arm with referee Euan Anderson pointing to the penalty spot.
Finally after 34 matches and an hour of play an SFA official decided to award a penalty against the league leaders. Fans across Scotland were shocked. Crucially there was no reaction from assistant referee Frank Connor who was on duty at the Celtic v Inverness Caley Thistle semi-final in 2015.
Four Ibrox players questioned Anderson on the right side of the penalty box while Liam Craig placed the ball on the penalty spot. As the midfielder prepared to take the penalty Anderson decided to consult with Connor.
Strangely Connor hadn’t raised his flag at any point but as the enormity of the decision dawned the wired-up assistant alerted Anderson. After a brief consultation the penalty was overturned with play restarted with a goal kick!
St Johnstone did get a 94th minute penalty but it had a lot less impact than if the penalty on the hour had been awarded. Liam Craig scored from the penalty to give St Johnstone a draw.
Alan Muir, who was behind the goal at Hampden when Josh Meekings handled Leigh Griffiths’ header in 2015 will referee St Johnstone’s visit to Ibrox on Sunday in the Scottish Cup.
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) April 21, 2021
3 minutes 40 seconds for penalty/ no penalty
