Mark Clattenburg verdict explains why Celtic were never getting Motherwell penalty

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Many Celtic supporters believed Daizen Maeda should have won a penalty against Motherwell after colliding with Calum Ward.

Celtic had to fight from 1-0 behind to record a crucial win at Motherwell in a night of high tension and title drama.

That night may have been made easier had Celtic been awarded a penalty after Motherwell goalkeeper Callum Ward flattened Maeda on the stroke of half time.

But Mark Clattenburg’s explanation shows why football almost never gives those decisions when a goalkeeper gets a touch on the ball first.

• READ MORE: Martin O’Neill crystal clear on Celtic’s dramatic late penalty at Motherwell

Clattenburg says penalty awards for Celtic challenge ‘very rare’

The former FIFA referee was very clear in his verdict as Clattenburg exclusively told 67 Hail Hail, “Motherwell goalkeeper Calum Ward punches the ball and at the same time collides with Celtic’s Daizen Maeda in the follow through.

“I would be surprised if a penalty was given as two players are going for the ball and the goalkeeper clearly gets a touch on the ball before the coming together.

“Very rarely is a penalty given in such situations in football. Do not expect a penalty.”

The key point is not simply that Ward touched the ball first.

IFAB Laws of the Game still allow referees to punish goalkeepers if the follow-through is careless or reckless.

But modern refereeing interpretation also recognises natural momentum.

When a goalkeeper clearly changes the path of the ball first, collisions are often viewed as unavoidable parts of two players attacking the same phase of play.

That is exactly the argument Clattenburg made.

Recent VAR decisions show the same pattern for Celtic

This is not unique to Scottish football.

Recent VAR precedents across Europe have repeatedly shown penalties overturned once replay confirms the goalkeeper made decisive contact with the ball before the collision.

Supporters will still feel frustrated because Maeda clearly took a heavy impact.

But referees have consistently leaned towards protecting goalkeepers in these situations unless the contact crosses into reckless or dangerous territory.

That is why Clattenburg’s verdict should not really surprise anyone, even if plenty of Celtic fans disagree with it.