Ex-FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg’s verdict on Celtic penalty claim fans spotted vs Aberdeen Sky Sports ignored

Celtic’s victory over Aberdeen was free of major controversy.

Despite Aberdeen’s aggressive tactics against Celtic, there were no questionable red card judgements, offsides, or silly fouls.

Goals from Benjamin Nygren and Reo Hatate secured a pretty simple Celtic victory at Pittodrie, putting the Parkhead team joint-top of the table with Hearts.

However, there was one point in the game that Celtic fans discussed online: they believed the Parkhead team should have had a penalty when the score was 1-0.

As Sky Sports refused to discuss the situation, 67 Hail Hail sought assistance from famed former referee Mark Clattenburg.

Mark Clattenburg explains Aberdeen handball versus Celtic.
Many Celtic fans saw Graeme Shinnie’s handball infraction on X, and one even emailed me to get my thoughts on it.

After missing it, 67 Hail Hail decided to call former FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg to get his take on the Aberdeen handball.

In an exclusive interview with 67 Hail Hail, Clattenburg stated that Celtic should not have been awarded a penalty when an Aberdeen player touched the ball with his hand.

“As the defender is failing to challenge for the ball, he accidently touches the ball with his hand while breaking his fall.

“This, under the interpretation of handball, will not be given when a hand in the act of breaking your fall touches the ball.”

VAR and Celtic
Celtic have had numerous concerns with VAR over the years, but happily, none of them affected the outcome of the Aberdeen game.

Although Clattenburg ruled that the non-penalty award was right, Celtic fans continue to have nightmares about judgements that cost the team against Hearts and Rangers following its introduction in October 2022.

Celtic will have a busy schedule this season, and fans will be hopeful that VAR does not interfere with the Parkhead club’s pursuit of silverware.