Former English Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has weighed in on the key refereeing call that saw Celtic awarded a penalty during their weekend clash with Livingston…
The incident occurred shortly before half-time when Livingston defender Daniel Finlayson challenged Daizen Maeda for an aerial ball from a corner kick. Within the duel, the ball struck Finlayson inside the penalty area, resulting in a VAR review.
Match referee Matthew MacDermid was advised to consult the pitchside monitor by Nick Walsh and after review, MacDermid pointed to the spot.
Gallagher has since offered his assessment of the decision, giving his perspective on whether the handball call was justified under the current laws of the game.
Speaking via Sky Sports on X, Gallagher said: “They are 100 per cent consistent, you cannot knock the Scottish referees. Everything that hits the arm like that, they punish. They have punished, for the last two seasons, every single one.”
“The only thing is, is there a push in the back? The referee has got a perfect view, he says no. He doesn’t see the hand. Once it goes to the VAR, it does strike his arm. I knew, the minute he went to the VAR and saw it strike his arm, they were going to give a penalty.”
🗣️ “I knew the minute it went to VAR and saw it strike his arm, they were going to give a penalty.”
Did you agree with the penalty awarded to Celtic against Livingston? ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/OXyfBz2yVo
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 29, 2025
While Dermot Gallagher supported MacDermid’s decision, an opposing view was offered by ex-English Championship striker Jay Bothroyd who argued the incident did not merit a spot-kick.
“It’s a ridiculous decision,” he said. “I’m sorry. The defender is going back. He’s stretching for the ball with his head, he’s in the right position.”
“He’s gone to win the ball, he’s stretching, his arm is there. The fact that its hit him and they’ve given a penalty, it’s crazy. The attacker is there, very close to that. I don’t understand that, I really don’t understand that.”
Celtic made the decisive moment count when Arne Engels converted from 12 yards, which eventually sealed an important victory for Wilfried Nancy.
Conor Spence
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