Celtic supporters were left in disbelief following a controversial incident involving striker Adam Idah during a recent match against Rangers. The incident, which occurred in the dying moments of the game, has sparked widespread debate among fans, pundits, and officials alike.
The Incident: Idah’s Penalty Appeal
In the closing stages of the match, with Celtic trailing 3-2, a cross was delivered into the Rangers’ penalty area. Adam Idah appeared to be impeded by a Rangers defender as he attempted to connect with the ball, leading to vehement appeals for a penalty from Idah and his teammates. However, the referee waved play on, a decision that was upheld after a brief VAR review.
SPFL’s Official Account Reaction
The Scottish Professional Football League’s (SPFL) official social media account posted a message regarding the incident, stating: “No penalty awarded as Idah goes down under minimal contact. Play continues.” This characterization of the incident as involving “minimal contact” was met with outrage among Celtic supporters, who felt that the SPFL’s assessment downplayed the severity of the challenge on Idah.
Fan Reactions
Celtic fans took to various platforms to express their frustration:
• One supporter tweeted, “Absolutely shocking decision! Clear as day penalty, and the SPFL calls it ‘minimal contact’? What’s the point of VAR?”
• Another commented, “If that’s ‘minimal contact,’ then I don’t know what game they’re watching. Consistency is all we ask for.”
The sentiment among the Celtic fanbase was one of disbelief and anger, with many questioning the integrity of the officiating and the SPFL’s public commentary on such a contentious decision.
Pundit Opinions
Former referees and football analysts weighed in on the controversy. Dermot Gallagher, a retired Premier League referee, analyzed the incident and remarked that awarding a penalty would have been harsh, suggesting that the contact may not have been sufficient to warrant a spot-kick.
Club Responses
As of now, neither Celtic nor Rangers have released official statements regarding the incident or the SPFL’s characterization of it. However, sources within Celtic Park indicate that the club is seeking clarification on the decision-making process from the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and the SPFL.
Historical Context
This incident adds to a series of contentious refereeing decisions in matches between Celtic and Rangers. In a previous encounter, the SFA admitted to a mistake when Rangers were denied a penalty during the Premier Sports Cup final against Celtic. Such controversies continue to fuel the intense rivalry between the two clubs and their supporters.
Conclusion
The uproar surrounding the SPFL’s comments on the Adam Idah penalty incident underscores the heightened emotions and scrutiny that accompany Old Firm matches. As debates over officiating standards and the use of VAR persist, stakeholders across Scottish football are calling for greater transparency and consistency to maintain the integrity of the game.
