Ex-PGMOL chief makes feelings clear over Aberdeen vs Celtic penalty controversy

Celtic overcame Aberdeen 2-1 in a tense Scottish Premiership clash on Wednesday.

It took a second-half Benjamin Nygren goal to secure the three points for Martin O’Neill’s side as they leapfrogged Rangers to go second and five points off Heart of Midlothian at the summit.

However, the game could have been completely different if Celtic were given a penalty for handball just before half-time.

Despite the officials and VAR not deeming the incident worthy of a spot-kick, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Keith Hackett believes this was the wrong decision, with the incident having the potential to have an impact on Celtic’s rollercoaster campaign.

Three points secured ✅#ABECEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/Fv5bjUHZ3o— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) March 4, 2026

Keith Hackett: Celtic should have had a penalty vs Aberdeen

Just before the half-time whistle, Sebastian Tounekti whipped a ball into the Aberdeen box as Celtic looked to retake the lead.

However, instead of finding a Hoops player, it hit Jack Milne before it was cleared away.

Upon examining the replays, it became clear that the ball hit Milne’s arm, yet a penalty was not given.

When reviewing the footage, Hackett made it clear when speaking exclusively to Football Insider that VAR should have intervened and advised the officials to award a penalty to Celtic for handball.

He said: “In this incident, Celtic can be disappointed that they were not awarded a penalty kick.

“The ball has travelled some distance, allowing the player to position his arm in a natural position.

“The referee did not penalise the defender, and at that point, VAR should have intervened.

“The defender has made his body shape larger when the ball strikes the arm.

“A penalty kick should have been awarded.”

What did Martin O’Neill say after the Aberdeen victory?

Keith Wyness has recently praised Celtic boss O’Neill when speaking exclusively to Football Insider as he produced a comeback to draw with Rangers on the weekend, and he once again showed his tactical prowess.

Looking back on the match, O’Neill was certainly pleased to come away with three points.

The fixture was a potential banana skin, especially given their packed schedule in recent weeks.

However, Celtic managed to complete their task as they returned to the Champions League spots and increased the pressure on Hearts.

Speaking to BBC Sport on 4 March after the match, O’Neill said: “It was a tough evening, which I expected anyway, and we certainly got that.

“And it was nice to come through and win the game. We showed resilience to fight it out towards the end.”

Up next, Celtic face yet another Old Firm derby as they look to beat Rangers at Ibrox to progress into the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup.

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