Pundit Still Refusing to Accept Correct Celtic Call From Don Robertson

Celtic managed to edge past Aberdeen in a fraught Scottish Cup semi-final, maintaining manager Brendan Rodgers’ 100% record in the competition.

Following Rangers’ victory over Heart of Midlothian, it’s now set that the Scottish Cup final will be a heated Glasgow Derby.

The Game’s critical moment arrived in the 112th minute when Junior Hoilett was initially thought to have been fouled by Alistair Johnston in the penalty area. Shortly after, Cameron Carter-Vickers’ challenge on Hoilett added to the controversy. However, referee Don Robertson awarded a free kick to Celtic, recognizing an earlier infringement against Johnston, a decision that has since polarized opinions.

A major talking point arose in the second period of extra time when Aberdeen would’ve been awarded a penalty if it wasn’t for a foul on Alistair Johnston seconds before Carter-Vickers’ challenge.

The referee, Don Robertson, allowed play to develop, as a good referee would, before he awarded a free kick to Celtic, recognising an earlier infringement against Johnston, a decision that has since polarised opinions.

While some pundits, like former Hibs man Tam McManus, criticized the call on social media, arguing that the players were simply contesting the ball, the footage shows that Johnston was impeded from playing fairly, bolstering Celtic’s case.

Taking to X, formally Twitter, McManus posted:

That is not a foul IMO. Two guys up challenging for a header. You are allowed to say you maybe got away with one you know. 👍🏻 https://t.co/bBG3EdflCb

— Tam McManus (@The_Tman10) April 22, 2024

I simply ask the pundit this, if it had been Alistair Johnston going into the back of an Aberdeen attacker, would it have been a penalty? I think he’d say yes.