In a recent Scottish Premiership match on March 1, 2025, Celtic defeated St Mirren 5-2 at The SMiSA Stadium. Despite the seemingly decisive scoreline, the match was marred by a controversial refereeing decision that has since prompted discussions about officiating standards in Scottish football.
St Mirren started the game positively, creating several early chances. However, it was Celtic who struck first, with Jeffrey Schlupp finding the net in the 28th minute. St Mirren responded promptly, as Declan John equalized five minutes later with a stunning free-kick. The first half continued to be a thrilling contest, with both teams exchanging goals, leading to a 2-2 scoreline early in the second half.
The turning point of the match occurred in the 86th minute when St Mirren’s substitute, Roland Idowu, was brought down in the penalty box by Celtic defender Alistair Johnston. Despite strong appeals from St Mirren players and supporters, referee Matthew MacDermid waved play on. The incident was reviewed by VAR official Andrew Dallas, who upheld the on-field decision, ruling that Johnston had made sufficient contact with the ball. This decision was met with widespread disbelief, as many felt it was a clear penalty that could have altered the outcome of the match.
St Mirren’s manager, Stephen Robinson, expressed his frustration in the post-match press conference, stating, “It’s not a good claim – it’s a penalty. I don’t blame the ref as it happens quickly.” He lamented the missed opportunity to challenge Celtic further, especially given the team’s strong performance up to that point.
In the aftermath, reports have emerged suggesting that referee Matthew MacDermid and VAR official Andrew Dallas are expected to issue an apology to St Mirren for the oversight. Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett commented on the incident, indicating that an apology is warranted due to the significant impact of the non-award on the match’s outcome.
This incident has reignited debates about the effectiveness of VAR in Scottish football and the consistency of officiating decisions. Fans and analysts alike are calling for improved training and accountability to ensure such contentious decisions are minimized in the future.
While the final scoreline shows a comprehensive victory for Celtic, the controversy surrounding the denied penalty has overshadowed the match, highlighting the profound influence refereeing decisions can have on the dynamics and outcomes of football games.
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