Celtic have reached out to the SFA seeking clarification on the controversial penalty incident involving Rangers’ Fabio Silva, believing that referee John Beaton may not have had all the necessary information to make an accurate decision.
The Hoops are questioning the VAR footage provided to Beaton, as they feel it did not show the moment Alistair Johnston made contact with the ball before Silva collided with his leg. According to IFAB rules, a challenge can still be a penalty if the defender touches the ball first and the tackle is deemed careless, reckless, or excessive.
Celtic is adamant that Johnston’s tackle did not meet any of these criteria and are eager to understand how the decision was reached. The club has been active in discussing VAR processes with the Scottish FA in an effort to improve standards for all clubs.
Manager Brendan Rodgers and former boss Neil Lennon both expressed their belief that the penalty decision was incorrect, with Rodgers emphasizing that Johnston’s tackle was fair and that Silva had simulated the contact. Lennon added that the contact was minimal and that Silva ran into Johnston, resulting in an embarrassing display of simulation.
