Alistair Johnston: Celtic should have been awarded penalty against Rangers | Football News

Celtic defender Alistair Johnston has called for consistency from the match officials after his side were shocked to miss a penalty against Rangers.

Rangers centre-back Connor Goldson appeared to block Carl Starfelt’s effort with both hands raised over his face during Monday’s 2-2 draw.

But referee John Beaton played on and video assistant referee Willie Collum did not call him to the monitor.

Johnston felt Goldson’s actions did not seem appropriate at the time and his feelings were reinforced by watching the footage.

“I was actually in the box, and I raised my hand because I felt something unnatural,” said the Canada international, who was making his Celtic debut.

“It happened so fast, you can’t tell. After the match, you see the replay, and I think it’s hard to argue that the hand position is natural.

“As a defender especially, you put your hands there, most of the time you’re at risk.

“So for me, I always think it’s a pen. I sound a little biased here, but it’s what it’s like. The match is under someone else’s control.

“We don’t see it like VAR is bothering us – it’s a decision that goes against us, but there will be a lot going for us and other people going against us.

“All we want is consistency, that’s the biggest thing we want as a footballer.

“As a defender especially now, you’ve been told you can only defend with your hands by your side, and you see boys who put their hands in their face and don’t ask for a pen.

“If you see one of us give up one in a few weeks where it’s the same and they call, there will be some questions to ask. As long as it’s consistent, we’re happy with it.”

Lamie: VAR has changed the game

Johnston was joined at Hampden at the launch of the new 2022-23 SPFL Match Attax collection by Motherwell defender Ricki Lamie, who was penalized for handball in the box on Monday at Livingston.

Lamie got back on the ball and was unaware of it as the shot went off target and hit his back arm, but referee David Munro pointed to the spot and there was no VAR intervention.

Liam Kelly saved a penalty, twice, and Motherwell drew 1-1 but Lamie was more confused by the decision in the rest of the game as he pleaded with the referee to be allowed to use common sense.

“I really feel for the officials because I think there’s a gray area in the rulebook,” Lamie said.

“I never criticize officials because I think it’s one of the hardest jobs in football and you can only follow the rules.

“You’ve seen some decisions this year that I don’t agree with the way they feel, but if the rule book sees it in a certain way, it will be given. The referee can only do it, like VAR.

“On the day there are only two or three different decisions in the league that I think everyone will understand a different way but the rulebook is not. The referee can take it from there in terms of how to see it.

“This is one of the common sense things to do. I think there should be rules but giving the referee responsibility for how to interpret it would be clearer.”