“It’s not a good claim – it’s a penalty,” St Mirren boss rages at VAR

The Celtic Star

·2 marzo 2025

“It’s not a good claim – it’s a penalty,” St Mirren boss rages at VAR

A furious Stephen Robinson claims St Mirren were unfairly denied a clear penalty against Celtic, a decision which may prove costly in their push for a top-six finish…

St Mirren v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Saturday 1st March 2025. Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Robinson was incensed when substitute Roland Idowu went down in the box after a sliding challenge from Hoops right-back Alistair Johnston as Celtic were leading 3-2 with four minutes of normal time remaining. Though Brendan Rodgers’ side went on to score twice following the controversial incident, the St Mirren boss was left frustrated. He said: “It’s not a good claim – it’s a penalty. I don’t blame the ref as it happens quickly.

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Luke McCowan and Yang celebrate. St Mirren v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Saturday 1st March 2025. Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“The ball has gone in a completely different direction from where Alistair has tried to make his challenge. He’d got a little nick on the ball and then followed through and the ball’s gone in a completely different direction from the tackle. But it’s not given, it’s gone to VAR, and they’re reviewed it and it’s not given. There’s not a whole lot we can do about it. And they then go up the other end and score,” the St Mirren boss noted.

🗣️ "It's a penalty. It's very clear, the Celtic bench were very clear." Stephen Robinson laments "cruel game" after St Mirren were denied a spot kick in their defeat to the Scottish Premiership leaders. #BBCFootball
– sabato 1 marzo 2025

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson’s post match comments continue on the next page…

“So that’s our problem, that’s our fault, we can’t blame VAR for that. But at 3-2 you’re still very much in the game. The fourth official was fantastic with me. Matthew MacDermid [referee]as well, they’re waiting on VAR, they’re looking for help, that’s what we allegedly pay this money for.

”I’ll probably have a phone call on Monday morning again. But no, I don’t blame the referees. It’s a decision VAR has made, and they deem it right.”

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St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson. St Mirren v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Saturday 1st March 2025. Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Robinson was left raging with the decision and was left lamenting a missed opportunity to punish the soon-to-be crowned four-in-a-row Scottish champions. He said: “There are a lot of key moments in the game. We had seven incredibly good chances that we didn’t take. Key moments in defending as well.”

🗣️ “I think everybody knows it was a penalty. He gets a slight touch and then follows through” 🗣️ “We don’t get it which isn’t really a surprise” Stephen Robinson on Alistair Johnston's challenge on Roland Idowu in their 5-2 defeat to Celtic ⬇️
– sabato 1 marzo 2025

“You need luck against top teams. But it wasn’t luck today. It was just we didn’t get the decision we should have got. It’s 3-2 and everything to play for.

READ THIS…“This is one of my most favourite results of the season,” Brendan Rodgers

Arne Engels celebratesSt Mirren v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Saturday 1st March 2025. Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“I thought we were on top of the game at that stage as well. But it wasn’t to be, when you give good teams opportunities and decisions don’t go your way, you get results like today.”

🍀 Celtic are now just three wins away from retaining their Scottish Premiership title after a thumping 5-2 win over St Mirren ⤵️
– sabato 1 marzo 2025

Conor Spence