The truth behind Aberdeen’s denied penalty against Celtic in today’s thrilling Scottish Cup semi-final extra-time has been uncovered.
As the game neared the end of the additional 30 minutes, it seemed like referee Don Robertson had signaled for a penalty following a challenge between Junior Hoilett and Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Hoilett, a substitute who had a significant impact on Peter Leven’s team, set up crucial goals for Ester Sokler and Angus MacDonald. Just before Aberdeen’s third goal and second equalizer, Hoilett was brought down in the box by Carter-Vickers.
Video replays showed that Carter-Vickers had kicked Hoilett from behind, but a closer examination revealed that a foul was actually committed by Hoilett on Celtic’s Alistair Johnston earlier in the play.
Despite confusion at the time and speculation from commentators, it was determined that the free-kick awarded to Celtic was due to a foul by Hoilett, meaning the penalty claim could not be given.
The first semi-final match was a thrilling affair, with Aberdeen taking an early lead through Bojan Miovski, only to be equalized by Nicolas Kuhn. James Forrest scored upon entering the game in the second half, but Sokler forced extra-time with a late equalizer.
Despite Celtic taking the lead again through Matt O’Riley, Hoilett and MacDonald ensured Aberdeen’s fightback continued, leading to a dramatic victory in the same fashion as their second goal.
