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Confusion reigned at Hampden when Aberdeen were denied what looked like a penalty in time.
Cameron Carter-Vickers became transparent in his own area under pressure, and only managed to kick the back of Junior Hoilett’s leg. Just as the Dandies were celebrating the goal, they thought they had a position in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup, their hopes were dashed. faded when referee Don Robertson awarded a foul AGAINST Hoilett for a foul on compatriot Alistair Johnston in preseason.
A VAR review was carried out, but no penalty was awarded as the foul on Celtic’s Canadian full-back was confirmed. It sounded sweet, but there was more drama to come when Angus MacDonald made up for his first-half howl by directing the Dons’ point just when it looked like they were running out of time. That forced a penalty shootout, and after Joe Hart intervened strangely and missed Celtic’s fifth penalty to prolong the nerves, he made amends by saving Killian Phillips and eventually sending Brendan Rodgers’ side off.
But Robertson’s decision and VAR towards the end of extra time remains unclear and neither expert was able to resolve it.
“Is that why they gave it? No way. The challenge to Alistair Johnston on Junior Hoilett. It’s hard. It’s amazing. No one in the Celtic squad even wants to get one. It’s unbelievable, it is. It’s a penalty. I think the officials have let them down on that.
“Don Robertson fouled the team on defense. I don’t know why he allowed the game to go on if it felt like a weak shot. “
“To me, it’s a penalty. Hoilett doesn’t really do anything. The game continues, he didn’t blow his whistle. Then Hoilett reaches out and Carter-Vickers grabs him from behind. It’s a definitive penalty. You can tell me the one. “
“It looks like he’s going to make the ball clear. Hoilett simply puts his foot in front of him and kicks through Hoilett. I think it’s because Hoilett doesn’t touch the ball. “
“It’s a natural 50/50 between Hoilett and Johnston. No I sense where the fault lies. It’s a stone wall penalty. “