Kettlewell’s still boiling mad about Celtic’s penalty

Kelechi Iheanacho netted his debut goal for the Hoops in the 96th minute after Lewis Mayo was penalised for a handball as the ball struck his arm from close range following a deflection off his teammate Robbie Deas.

John Beaton allowed play to continue initially, but VAR official Matthew MacDermid recommended an on-filed review, prompting the referee to consult the pitch side monitor, resulting in the penalty being given.

Iheanacho’s winner secured all three points for Brendan Rodgers’ side just over 10 minutes after David Watson had levelled the score for the home side with a powerful header.

Kettlewell expressed his frustration with the refereeing during the match and suggested that his concerns have been supported by both SFA and international officials.

Speaking via Scottish Football Social Club, the outraged Killie boss said: “It’s difficult for me how much I can disclose and what I can say. What I can say is that I have since had a really good, lengthy conversation and an explanation as to what was seen and what the decision was.

“I’d spoken about it after, but I believe that we’re going to see some disappointed people in Scottish football if that’s what’s seen deemed a penalty kick that ricocheted off a foot and onto an arm from such close proximity.

“It would be my understanding, and again, I need to be careful, I’m not trying to quote anybody here, I would be surprised if we see that again as a penalty throughout the season. I think that would be fair to say.”

Kettlewell added: “There has been some serious work done behind the scenes, not just in Scotland, but, speaking to other associations, other officials to pick their brains, ‘Would you give that in France, or would you give that in Germany’ or whatever?

“And I think the general consensus is that people don’t want to see it as a penalty. That doesn’t help us on the day. Of course, it doesn’t.”

“But I think that me saying that lines up with what you guys felt, what I think everybody in Scottish Football felt after that game,” Kettlewell continued.

“And I think it becomes so difficult for defenders. I would argue that was terrific defending from Robbie Deas and Lewis Mayo and the consequence of a block where your foot is and a ricochet from half a yard. So, I think, we all agree that it can’t be a penalty and we don’t want it seen as a penalty.”

It’s swings and roundabouts on last minute penalty decisions taken at Rugby Park when Celtic are in town, here’s one from August 2023 that knocked Celtic out of the League Cup. This one wasn’t given.

Conor Spence

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