Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell was visibly furious after Celtic was awarded a late penalty at Rugby Park, securing a 2-1 win for the visitors. Daizen Maeda had given Celtic the lead 10 minutes into the second half, but David Watson’s powerful header in the 82nd minute levelized the score for Kilmarnock. However, Kelechi Iheanacho’s cool finish from the spot in the 96th minute handed Celtic all three points.
Kettlewell’s frustration stemmed from a pre-season meeting with the SFA, where he claimed they were told that if the ball ricochets off a player at close proximity and isn’t heading into the net, it wouldn’t be considered a handball offense. “We’ve all debated and talked about it. I’ve spoken to people inside and outside, and there’s just amazement that it’s awarded as a penalty,” Kettlewell said.
When informed that the penalty was given due to the Kilmarnock defender’s arm being in an unnatural position, Kettlewell remained unsatisfied. “If we’re told something at the start of the season, is that the wrong information, or has it been changed? Or are we looking at it differently once we get to the VAR screen?” he questioned.
The penalty decision seemed harsh, and many fans would have protested if it were awarded against Celtic. Kettlewell stuck to his guns, emphasizing that he and his players were told one thing, but the game showed another. Celtic’s next match is against Hibs at home, where fans are expected to stage another protest against the club’s board ยน.
