The Celtic vs Rangers Premier Sports Cup semi-final was overshadowed by a number of controversial refereeing calls.
Celtic defender Auston Trusty was adjudged to have been a lucky Bhoy after he escaped a red card in Celtic’s extra-time win over Rangers.
The match officials were kept very busy inside Hampden after the two Glasgow giants battled it out for a place in the Premier Sports Cup final next month.
And now that Celtic will face St Mirren, former FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg has delivered his verdict on the penalty given against Anthony Ralston which forced the game into an extra half hour.
Mark Clattenburg tells Celtic Anthony Ralston handball vs Rangers was correct call
There are many Celtic supporters who remain incensed at the decision by Nick Walsh to award a penalty against the falling Ralston.
The Celtic defender had his arms tucked in as he was falling and it looked like there was nothing he could do. But Clattenburg had a differing opinion.
Clattenburg told 67 Hail Hail, “An Anthony Ralston blocks a Djeidi Gassama shot with his arm inside the penalty area.
“It’s a dive from Ralston and the ball comes off his elbow which is close to his side. However, the arm is stopping a shot and he has used his arm to block the ball as diving through the air which is not a natural way to play the ball.
“I can understand it will create debate which handball always creates but I can see why the referee has given it and once given, the VAR will not interfere.”
Celtic told Auston Trusty was a ‘lucky boy’ vs Rangers
It seems that whilst Ralston felt the full force of the match referee, Auston Trusty got the rub of the green for his tackle on Jack Butland.
The Celtic defender was told by Clattenburg earlier today that he was lucky not to see red for his challenge on the Rangers goalkeeper.
Clattenburg told us, “Auston Trusty is a lucky boy after catching Jack Butland with his foot after Butland caught the ball.
“There is no need for Trusty to move his foot towards the head of Butland and I believe by that movement was deliberate.”
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