Nick Montgomery makes a claim about Celtic players after Adam Idah’s penalties down Hibernian

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Celtic left it late but secured a much-needed 2-1 win over Hibernian at Easter Road on Wednesday night, with Adam Idah netting a brace.

It was a tale of two penalties, one in each half, including a highly pressured spot-kick that was dispatched by Celtic’s new boy in the 90th minute for the winner.

Whilst on-field referee Nick Walsh and the VAR had no issues with the two penalties awarded, Hibs boss Nick Montgomery wasn’t a happy bunny after the game.

Not only did he question both incidents, but he also felt that Hibs ‘deserved to win the game’, as he told Sky Sports. 

Just on the second penalty, Nick Montgomery claimed that, not even the Celtic players thought it was a spot-kick following a foul on Kogo Furuhashi by Joe Newel.

Well, if he has a close look again, as the Japan star took his shot, he was wiped out by Joe Newel and Matt O’Riley is then clearly seen protesting and calling for a penalty, so perhaps the Hibs boss needs to check that one again!

In the end, the Bhoys dragged themselves over the line and Adam Idah stepped up and produced the goods in his first start for the club.

Celtic penalties against Hibernian

“It’s a tough one to take,” said Montgomery. “I am really proud of the boys’ efforts. I thought we probably deserved to win the game. I don’t need to say much, everyone can watch that live and make their own minds up.

“I have seen some of the incidents and just really disappointing – I thought the first one, Nec’s (Nectarios Triantis) has tried to go and win the header. Again, I would have to watch it again. They have both gone to win the header, if that happens anywhere else on the pitch, the ref just stops the game, possibly treatment for the players and maybe it’s a drop ball.

“The second one. I didn’t know anyone that really thought that was a penalty, including the fans or the Celtic players.

“Then he goes over to the VAR. I have seen Martin Boyle’s penalty. I think if somebody calls him over to have a look at that, there is contact, he has come from behind and caught him on his thigh. It doesn’t matter how he has fallen down, if he goes over to look at that with VAR, then it’s a penalty. That’s probably what I am most disappointed with.”

Consistency needed

Before the game, Brendan Rodgers noted how it can become ‘crisis mode’ whenever Celtic drop points.

That’s because the performances from the team haven’t exactly been eye-catching or encouraging since the Irishman returned.

Perhaps that will change as Rodgers starts to get a settled side together because week after week there is chopping and changing.

Injuries have played a huge part in that, but those players who are starting regularly need to step it up a level, so some much-needed consistency can be brought to the table.