Former Category 1 SFA referee’s remarkable verdict on Matt O’Riley and Celtic’s penalty vs Rangers

Over the past 48 hours, a number of talking points from Celtic’s victory over Rangers have made headlines.

The remarks made by Kenny Miller and Graeme Souness over John Lundstram‘s red card at Parkhead,

however, have truly drawn the most attention.
The remarks made by Kenny Miller and Graeme Souness over John Lundstram’s red card at Parkhead,

however, have truly drawn the most attention.
However, there was one more choice that sparked a little discussion.

When I say slight, I mean that a lot of commentators concurred

that Willie Collum was right.

Matt O’Riley was given a penalty.

Matt O’Riley ‘bought’ Celtic’s penalty

You did indeed read that right. Steve Conroy, a former Category 1 SFA referee,

claims that the Celtic midfield player was obviously tripped

by Mohamed Diomande in the box and was searching for a penalty.

“It’s very soft,” Conroy remarked [behind the whistles].

I believe Matt O’Riley was an expert in his field.

I’m willing to accept the punishment if it is imposed.

It’s not a consequence for me personally.I believe that he is reaching out to Diomande.

Diomande entered the box,

and it’s possible to see him attempt to use the brakes and stay out of the way.

“However, he’s purchased the penalty

when you see the foot go behind Diomande instead of in front of me.

And in my opinion, Willie Collum made the incorrect call there.

I believe Steven McLean was quite justified in asking him to take a look at it.

He has the right to hold his own opinion, which he is expressing.

“But in my opinion, that is not a penalty kick.”
The fact that the VAR tape unequivocally demonstrates that there was contact in the box

and that Collum remained with his initial verdict

after having a second look makes this assertion even more astonishing.

It’s also fairly amazing how O’Riley

was able to look to buy a penalty

from a challenge that he didn’t see coming.

Even with his extraordinary vision, O’Riley

is unable to see what is going on behind him.

The fine was never that important in the grand scheme of things.

But, if a seasoned former referee is unable to identify

a clear penalty from the Diomande challenge,

then these remarks demonstrate that

there is still a problem with the way the rules of the game are applied.