Fresh light on the Liel Abada penalty claim
Much as he dislikes it even Neil McCann now knows the rule that disallowed Kemar Roofe’s ‘goal’ against Celtic.
When an opponent is in the act of kicking the ball you can’t just hang your foot in to create contact then take advantage or cry for a foul. The rule has been well explained through the kicking arc.
The fall out from Sunday has been predictable, an angry letter was sent to the SFA and leaked to all of the favoured messengers with the answer from Hampden known in advance.
Funnily enough there was an identical situation exactly a year ago, viewed clearly by Nick Walsh in the pre-Var days with the referee deciding not to enforce the Laws of the Game.
The more you hear he rules around the incident from Sunday, the more inexplicable the Abada penalty shout becomes.
— Lint (@Zeshankenzo) September 6, 2023
In Scotland referees are strong on game management which prevents Celtic running away with matches, early goals in the Glasgow Derby are a particular danger and to be avoided.
The Disadvantage Rule is another favourite when play is halted for obscure infringements while routinely the free kick split will be 50-50 or against Celtic despite having 65% or more possession in almost all domestic matches.