I can’t believe you guys in the studio- Michael Stewart calls out his BBC colleagues over Dundee United penalty
Michael Stewart has called out his BBC Scotland colleagues over the first half penalty awarded to Dundee United against Celtic today.
With the hoops leading 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Sead Haksabanovic play was halted for more than two minutes as VAR official Nick Walsh reviewed a close range headed from Steven Fletcher that struck Alexandro Bernabei on the elbow with his back to play.
David Dickinson checked on the VAR monitor, pointed to the penalty spot with Fletcher putting United level after 12 minutes.
It seems that the decision wasn’t getting much attention in the BBC Scotland studio where Kenny Macintyre was joined by Livingston manager David Martindale.
Tuning in The Sun reports:
Stewart told BBC Sportsound: “I can’t believe you guys in the studio are not more incredulous about that handball at Celtic Park.
“I’ve just seen that and that is absolutely horrific from the officials. How can you give a penalty against Bernabei for that? Clueless. That is horrific.”
After pointing out that one member of their team had been in touch claiming it WAS a penalty, his fellow pundit Leeann Crichton added: “What is strange abut it is that he deems it deliberate, unless it is denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity, which I’m not sure it was.”
Stewart said: “Here is the thing, with the handball law, if you’re arm is outstretched like that as a consequence of your body movement, it is not a handball. That is not a handball, it is incredible.”
Should Celtic demand that the SFA publish a VAR report explaining key decisions an hour after the final whistle?
No, we have to let teething troubles die down
Yes, it will bring clarity, we need explanations
At Tynecastle two weeks ago Walsh refused to give Celtic a penalty when Michael Smith raised his arm to block a pass from James Forrest.
Celtic recovered from the penalty decision to win 4-2 to go seven points clear at the top of the SPFL Premiership.