There should be little argument left about Celtic’s penalty against Hearts after Mark Clattenburg’s assessment of the incident.
The former Premier League referee made it clear Don Robertson got the decision right when Alexandros Kyziridis handled Kieran Tierney’s cross inside the box.
Robertson pointed to the spot immediately and VAR supported the decision after reviewing the incident. Arne Engels converted the penalty after Kyziridis blocked Kieran Tierney’s cross with his arm inside the area.
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Mark Clattenburg was clear about the Hearts handball vs Celtic
Mark Clattenburg did not leave much room for interpretation when assessing the incident involving the Hearts winger.
He said: “Alexandros Kyziridis tried to block a Kieran Tierney cross inside the penalty area but it clearly hit Kyziridis hand which was away from his body and making his body bigger. This was a big decision for Don Robertson and he was in a good position to see the handball and was correct to award a penalty.”
That explanation lines up directly with the current IFAB handball laws. A player risks conceding a penalty when their arm is positioned in a way that makes their body unnaturally bigger.
Robertson handled the moment correctly
Don Robertson pointed to the spot immediately because he had a clear view of the incident. That matters in a high-pressure situation where hesitation often creates more controversy.
The referee also received backing from VAR, which confirmed the original decision without requiring a reversal. Whether supporters liked the outcome or not, the laws of the game supported the penalty award.
Tierney’s delivery forced Kyziridis into a desperate block attempt and the Hearts player took the risk by sliding with his arm away from his body.
Clattenburg’s verdict only reinforced what Robertson had already seen in real time.
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