‘I think’ – Motherwell goalkeeper Aston Oxborough shares honest verdict on Celtic penalty award

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Celtic kicked off their 4-0 victory over Motherwell on Boxing Day with an Arne Engels penalty that was awarded after Aston Oxborough was deemed to have fouled Hyunjun Yang in the area.

Despite the Bhoys recording a dominant win over the Steelmen, the call has become a post-match talking point amid the avalanche of goals for the hosts that followed.

Reviewing the incident, Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell was incensed Celtic were given a penalty, describing the incident as ‘incredibly soft’ and deeming there to be a ‘lack of contact’ from his goalkeeper on Hyunjun Yang.

Nevertheless, Arne Engels converted the spot-kick with minimal fuss as the Bhoys recorded another brilliant three points to maintain their unbeaten start to the domestic campaign.

Now, Motherwell stopper Aston Oxborough has shared his thoughts on the decision after being penalised by Ross Hardie.

Motherwell goalkeeper Aston Oxborough on Celtic penalty call

Speaking to Glasgow World, Oxborough conceded that there was ‘contact’ between him and Celtic star Yang, but wasn’t entirely convinced that the referee should’ve pointed to the spot.

He stated: “Obviously, the penalty changes the game, really, because once they get that first goal it’s hard to recover. I haven’t seen it back so I can’t really make too much comment on it.

“I think a few people have said it’s soft. There was obviously contact, but I feel like he’s just ran into my blind side, so I’m not really too sure what I can do. The strikers are clever now, they know the game, so yes, it’s difficult.

“You kind of need to stop the bleeding when it goes to one or two, you can’t really go any more, but it’s obviously difficult. We are doing our best, but yes, we would have liked to stop the bleeding a bit better.”

Celtic will swiftly move on from Motherwell rout

Truthfully, there isn’t the same level of controversy with this decision as some in weeks gone by. Oxborough was nowhere near the ball, and the officiating team didn’t see enough of a clear and obvious error to overturn their call.

Realistically, debate over the incident will soon fade into the background. Celtic face St Johnstone on Sunday, while Motherwell are back in action against Rangers in two clashes that could have significant implications in the Scottish Premiership.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	CelticCeltic	17	15	2	0	48	4	44	47
2	RangersRangers	17	11	2	4	29	11	18	35
3	AberdeenAberdeen	18	10	4	4	31	25	6	34
4	Dundee UtdDundee Utd	18	7	7	4	27	20	7	28
5	ST MirrenST Mirren	19	8	3	8	26	30	-4	27
6	MotherwellMotherwell	18	8	2	8	23	31	-8	26

The Bhoys hold a healthy advantage as they plot another title victory, but they know complacency isn’t an option with the Glasgow Derby approaching.

Three points against St Johnstone will be their only priority before build-up to the trip to Ibrox after New Year intensifies.