Celtic on Sky Sports Ref Watch – Always the same from Dermot Gallagher

The Celtic Star

·8. April 2025

Celtic on Sky Sports Ref Watch – Always the same from Dermot Gallagher

Former English Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher – surprise, surprise – felt there was no case for awarding Celtic a penalty during their 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone on Sunday...

Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers applauds the Celtic fans at full-time. Final score St Johnstone 1 Celtic 0. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, McDiarmid Park, Perth, – 06 April 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

Daniels Balodis’ first-half header made the difference as St Johnstone remarkably ended a nine-year wait for victory over Brendan Rodgers’ side at McDiarmid Park.

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Celtic applied late pressure, and James Forrest squandered a big opportunity to equalise with nine minutes remaining, while substitutes Luke McCowan and Adam Idah also had chances to draw the Hoops level.

Jason Holt (on a booking) of St Johnstone challenges Reo Hatate of Celtic. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, McDiarmid Park, Perth, 06 April 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace/IMAGO Shutterstock

Alistair Johnston fell in the penalty area

As stoppage time neared its end, right-back Alistair Johnston fell in the penalty area, but referee David Dickinson blew the final whistle just moments afterwards, ending the game without consulting VAR further.

🫂 "He's also got his arms around the defender so I don't think it's a penalty..." What did the Ref Watch team make of Celtic's late penalty claim at St Johnstone? 🔽
– Montag, 7. April 2025

During Monday morning’s Ref Watch segment on Sky Sports News, Gallagher was asked about the incident, with the host comparing Johnston’s situation to being “lifted like the FA Cup.”

“Yeah, but he’s also got his arm around the defender, so I don’t think it’s a penalty,” remarked Gallagher. “If you look at Johnston, he’s got his arm around the back of the defender. It’s almost like the defender’s trying to get off him, so pulling back puts Johnston in the air. It’s not a penalty for me.”

Gallagher is probably right on this one but it is remarkable how he always comes to the same conclusion when looking at incidents involving Celtic. Or so it seems anyway.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor controls the ball under pressure from Jason Holt & Daniels Balodis of St Johnstone. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, , McDiarmid Park, Perth – 06 April 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

Celtic has dropped 14 points in the league since the start of the year

Celtic have now suffered four defeats domestically this season and have relinquished 14 points in the league since the start of the year – something the manager insists needs addressed.

Nevertheless, Rodgers’ men hold a commanding lead in the Scottish Premiership and could clinch the title this weekend with a win over Kilmarnock on Saturday, coupled with a defeat for theRangers to Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday.

Jeffrey Schlupp of Celtic tackled by Daniels Balodis of St Johnstone. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Football, McDiarmid Park, Perth, 06 April 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace, IMAGO/Shutterstock

Celtic need to regain their quality and composure

The soon-to-be four-in-a-row Scottish Champions need to regain their quality and composure as they close in on the title. It has been noticeable, for a number of weeks now, the players are already on the beach.

Celtic are in a terrific position to win the Treble, and if it wasn’t to happen there would be major disappointment among the support. Celtic can certainly take nothing for granted in the Scottish Cup semi-final match against St Johnstone on Easter Sunday.

Conor Spence

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