Keith Hackett has given his verdict after Celtic were awarded a penalty against Dundee in the final minutes of their dramatic 3-3 draw at Dens Park.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the penalty decision was justified, as Mo Sylla raised his arm to make his “body shape bigger” which constituted a deliberate attempt to stop the ball.

The incident occurred during a thrilling 3-3 draw between Celtic and Dundee on 14 January.

Celtic took the lead twice in the match—first through Luke McCowan’s opening goal to make it 1-0, and then through Yang Hyun-Jun’s goal to restore their advantage at 2-1.

However, Dundee responded each time, with Oluwaseun Adewumi equalising at 1-1 and an own goal from Cameron Carter-Vickers levelling it at 2-2.

The home side took the lead for the first time through Aaron Donnelly in the 78th minute, but his muted celebrations were branded “pathetic”. Celtic were then awarded a penalty just before the final whistle. Arne Engels stepped up to convert the 93rd-minute spot-kick, securing a draw for the visitors.

Celtic penalty was well-deserved despite Dundee resilience

It was a thrilling game for neutrals, but a correctly given decision in the dying moments of the match is crucial, especially given the recent referee controversies in Scottish football.

Hackett had previously criticised VAR for its handling of another Celtic penalty incident against Ross County on 11 January, where the review process took far too long. However, in this case, the penalty decision was made quickly and decisively by the referee.

Dundee were on the verge of securing their first win over the Bhoys in 24 years, but the late penalty, converted by Engels, left their hopes dashed and their hearts broken.

In this instance, Nicolas Kuhn dribbled inside the box and leathered a shot but was blocked by Mohammad Sylla with his raised arm.

Hackett has told Football Insider that the decision by Don Robertson was entirely justified, particularly due to the defender’s raised arm. He explained:

“The defending player has raised his arm and made his body shape bigger, and the referee ideally positioned rightly pointed to the penalty mark.

I do not see this arm position has part of natural movement. The position is aimed at stopping the cross.

“Penalty kick spot on.”

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