Pundit Michael Stewart has blasted VAR’s involvement in Celtic conceding a penalty in yesterday’s nervy win against Ross County. David Munro pointed to the spot after Matt O’Riley was adjudged to have handled the ball, Euan Anderson on VAR duty saw nothing wrong with the fact that the Dane was helpless in the situation and County scored.

Goals from David Turnbull and Sead Haksabanovic turned the game on its head and Celtic recorded all three points. However, the decision to award the penalty is causing much debate, especially in a week when the VAR cameras weren’t pointed at the pitch as Jota had a goal disallowed.

Speaking to Sportscene, Stewart lambasted the decision, calling it an ‘absolute disgrace.’

“Horrific. That could be the worst. For the referee to give it in the first place is an absolute disgrace. And to go to VAR and say ‘yeah, that was the right call’? Honestly.

“I can be surprised he’s gone to VAR and awarded it because it’s that ridiculous of a decision. I can’t believe VAR looked at it and went ‘aw aye, yeah.’

Ross County penalty at Celtic park. pic.twitter.com/lsVSOWM8Xl

— Hawkeye (@Zeshankenzo) November 12, 2022

“We must be playing a different sport here. He’s a foot away from the ball, it ricochets up and hits his elbow, which is at his side! It is ludicrous.

“Those two incidents at Celtic Park in the short space of a couple of weeks are two of the worst decisions you will ever see.

“And by the way, there are loads of other decisions that were barely picked up. At Tynecastle, Devlin got wiped out in the first half which could have been penalty.”

Even County manager Malky Mackay admitted that he couldn’t believe it was a penalty. Speaking to Sky after the game, the ex-Celt admitted that he told Ange he didn’t think it would be given.

🔵"When we were stopped I actually said to Ange 'I don't think this is going to be a penalty'…"

Malky Mackay on Ross County's spot kick in their defeat to Celtic as he hopes their performance gives them belief when they return to action. pic.twitter.com/mo5v48wNJm

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) November 12, 2022