Liam Scales and Auston Trusty were both at the centre of major referee calls in Celtic’s defeat to Hibs.
Celtic have appealed Trusty’s sending off, with the defender being accused of violent conduct for an incident in the second-half.
Martin O’Neill questioned the decision after the game, but he also discussed Scales’ penalty claim, which came just minutes later.
For ex-SFA referee Des Roache, the incident was as clear as can be.
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Des Roache on Liam Scales penalty claim in Celtic vs Hibs
Roache also disagreed with the Trusty call, but on the Scales claim, Roache told the Daily Record: “That was worse.
“It’s a clear, clear penalty kick. Iredale has got a hold of his arm, he’s got a hold of his jersey.
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“Matthew McDermid is there again. He doesn’t need to be looking at the ball, that’s only coming in one way and what the assistant is for.
“He’s probably switched off and the referee should be looking at what’s going on in the penalty area. To me, that is a clear and obvious error and VAR should have been involved in that.
“I’ve heard it said it’s because Scales wasn’t going to get the ball. I’m sorry, that’s not the laws of the game.
“A player is being pulled and grappled inside the penalty area. We’re getting guys sent off for running away from the halfway line and trips left right and centre.
“That’s as clear a penalty kick as you’re going to get. It doesn’t matter if he’s going to get it or not, you act upon the incident you see.
“It’s a completely wrong call.”
Whilst the Hoops hope to get Trusty available for this weekend’s Glasgow Derby against Rangers, there is no reprieve for an incorrect penalty decision.
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Celtic’s decision at Ibrox: Benjamin Arthur vs Dane Murray
With Scales requiring a new defensive partner for the upcoming fixtures at Ibrox and Pittodrie, the selection likely comes down to January recruit Benjamin Arthur or raw homegrown talent Dane Murray.
Given that supporters still remember Murray’s difficult performance against Hearts in October, there is a strong possibility that O’Neill will opt for Arthur.
This suspension for Trusty could prove to be a timely opportunity to introduce some much-needed freshness into the Celtic backline and allow Arthur the chance to establish himself in the starting eleven.
But in the midst of an intense title-race, there is little time for patience.
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