Group Think on Sportscene as they share one verdict on Celtic’s first home penalty of the season
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Normally in broadcasting they like to have a split in opinions, a bit of debate usually makes for better viewing or listening.
Last week licence payers were denied the expert opinions of the BBC Scotland pundits as they slimmed down Sportscene, aware of the issues in England where most big name pundits spoke out in defence of Gary Lineker.
After a midweek peace deal it was business as usual, on Sportscene the gang was reunited to give a balanced and impartial overview of six SPFL Premiership fixtures.
Any licence payers looking for some debate and discussion among the Sportscene team were left disappointed with former Rangers stars Richard Foster and Neil McCann in complete agreement as former Rangers striker Steven Thompson steered them towards a penalty awarded at Celtic Park.
Finally in their 14th home game of the season the league leaders were awarded a penalty, after they had conceded their seventh penalty of the season to put Hibs in front. Celtic have lost 21 goals in the SPFL this season- seven of them from penalties.
Tuning in to Sportscene last night, The Sun reports:
Speaking on Sportscene, McCann said: “They got back into the game and I think it’s a soft penalty.
“We’re going to highlight Paul Hanlon and Carter-Vickers and the only time he’s got any impeding on Carter-Vickers is at the very beginning but as they come round, watch Carter-Vickers hook his right arm around Paul Hanlon there and go down.
“I don’t think that’s a penalty. Steven McLean isn’t even looking at it when he blows. He’s initially looking at it then he turns away then gives it.”
Foster added: “I agree with Neil. It’s very soft. Initially Hanlon isn’t looking at the ball and could impede him but I don’t know if the ball is in play at that moment but Neil is right, he then hooks his arm and uses that to spin off and then throws himself to the ground.
“For someone as big and strong as him, Hanlon has not thrown him to the ground, he’s thrown himself to the ground.”
What is the best away ticket allocation for the Glasgow derby?
800- that was what Dave King wanted
Zero- cut to the chase, last February was outstanding
While the penalties reign in on Celtic their city rivals haven’t conceded a penalty in the SPFL since January 2022- a run of more than 40 matches.
Next weekend there is no SPFL action as attention switches to the international side with Celtic next in action away to Ross County on April 2.