Martin O’Neill has responded to Derek McInnes’ comments on Celtic’s penalty call against Motherwell.
McInnes blasted the decision as ‘disgusting’ in a sentiment echoed by many in Scottish football and beyond, establishing a clear narrative that officials favour Celtic.
This referee conspiracy accompanied an arrest being made over security concerns for referee John Beaton in 48 hours of all-round hysteria.
There is no better Celtic spokesperson for a situation like this, with Hearts now facing the away
Should Derek McInnes face punishment for his response to Celtic’s penalty call against Motherwell?
Martin O’Neill: Celtic penalty decision ‘relatively clear’
Responding to McInnes’ comments, O’Neill said: “In the heat of the moment, he’s come out and had a go.
“But when he looks at it, if it had been awarded for him, he would have been happy enough to take it.
READ MORE: Scott Brown reveals what James Forrest is like behind the scenes amid Celtic title drama
“There should be a proper debate in the summer about penalties. We all know what a clear-cut penalty is, but the word ‘deliberate’ seems to have gone out of the game.
“To me, in terms of the rules, it’s not really a debate. It was relatively clear-cut if he handled the ball.
“You can debate the whys and wherefores of what’s happening, and FIFA and UEFA should look at it, because it’s not great at all. But as we stand, these are the rules.
“I genuinely think we should have had a penalty the other night when Daizen was fouled. But if you look back over the course of the season, the top three sides have had decisions go for them and against them.
“I’m not saying things level themselves out, I wouldn’t make that argument with a couple of games left. But the reason there’s been a big furore is because it’s the end of the season. If this happened in October you wouldn’t have heard a word.”
On the idea that things are in Celtic’s favour, O’Neill continued: “That would be a big change from 20 years ago, let me tell you,” he said.
“If you want to go back to Easter Road, the Hibs player [Joe Newell] handled the ball and they got a goal from it. That was clear-cut and we didn’t get it. VAR decided it was fine.
Be honest… how much have you doubted Celtic this season? 👀
“When we lost to Hibs [2-1 at home in February], Liam Scales should have had a penalty and we didn’t get that either.
“People talk about the Alistair Johnston tackle against Rangers. I thought he was lucky. But then people think we should have had a penalty against Motherwell for Daizen Maeda being charged in the back.
“I hate to say this, and my paranoia is setting in, but it’s because it’s Celtic. That’s my view, but I will stick with it.”
Finally, on today’s end-of-season showdown against Hearts, the Parkhead boss added: “Wouldn’t it be ridiculous, almost pathetic of us, if we didn’t have a real go at trying to win a final game?
“We’ll have to take risks in the game. We could find ourselves, trying to get forward, [and getting] hit [on] the break. But that’s the nature of it.
“We’ve come from behind on Sunday, come from behind on Wednesday evening, and we may have to do it again.
“We have a chance to win it. Given where we were, to take this to the final day is a testament to the spirit, commitment, and character of the players.”
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
