Two Celtic matches and it is three penalty ‘mistakes’ from referee Colin Steven

Not for the first time, Colin Steven had a bit of a nightmare over penalty decisions as he ‘took charge’ of the 6-0 win over Dundee.

At first glance the Perthshire based official looks completely underwhelming, unfortunately the same can be said of his performances with a whistle.

Clearly modelling his style on Willie Collum it is obvious to anyone watching that Steven has no feeling for football and applies a bizarre application of the Laws of the Game.

Back in September he refereed Celtic’s 2-0 win over Hearts. On two key incidents he got it wrong with penalty decisions- both going against Celtic.

Firstly a close range header from Lawrence Shakland struck Liam Scales on the shoulder- PENALTY Hearts was the instant reaction.

Fortunately a VAR review established that Scales was unable to react to the close range contact, additionally the ball didn’t strike his arm.

Early in the second half as Nicolas Kuhn attacked down the right James Penrice raised his arm to block a cross. Steven saw the contact and awarded a corner. The roar of the crowd and appeals of the Celtic players suggested otherwise, the corner was paused, again VAR bailed out the bungling referee with a penalty awarded. Arne Engels scored.

Penalty to Celtic! Celtic 1:0 Dundee. VAR intervened to give it… pic.twitter.com/SMf7f6s91O

— Timothy Fellowes (@FellowsT1888) February 5, 2025

Last night was just as contrived. Austin Trusty was man-handled by Mo Sylla as a corner was delivered into the penalty box.

The Dundee midfielder had hold of Trusty for about five seconds, pulling his shirt, having hands round his waist but Steven mysteriously noticed a foul by the Celtic defender who kept his focus throughout on the cross.

As Dundee wasted time with their free-kick a VAR check was called, replays showed Sylla fouling his opponent throughout, finally after a visit to the monitor the correct decision was given. Engels scored with the penalty.

After a four minute delay Steven added on two minutes stoppage time, fortunately it was long enough for Adam Idah to score Celtic’s second goal.

Steven did get his revenge on Trusty with a booking that absolutely no one could explain or justify.

Michael Nicholson thinks that Scottish refereeing is improving with Willie Collum’s 25 minute monthly VAR Review a great step forward, providing transparency.

Picture by Getty Images.

It takes ah bit of doing but Colin Steven had managed it.

Ref two Celtic gemmes ,

deny them two penalties

and award a penalty against them

All three decisions overturned by VAR

Can you imagine the stamping of feet ,gnashing of sugar puff teeth if he did that tae the huns

— Terry O’Neill (@terryoneill67) February 5, 2025