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SFA offer Celtic penalty snub explanation after VAR drama vs Dundee amid ‘point of contact’ debate
The Hoops players were left frustrated after the VAR team backed up referee Ryan Lee

The SFA have explained why Celtic striker Tomas Cvancara controversially had a penalty claim snubbed against Dundee.

With the Scottish Cup showdown goalless, the towering striker was involved in a tussle with visiting defender Luke Graham on the edge of the box. As the Celtic frontman took the ball into the box, he would fall to the ground

Referee Ryan Lee would award a free kick following the flashpoint. The game would be stopped briefly while David Dickinson and the VAR team checked the incident before play resumed.

At half-time, former Celtic star Charlie Mulgrew was left baffled by the incident. He told Premier Sports: “For me, this is a penalty. I know the contact potentially starts outside of the box, but the ruling is if the contact continues in the box it’s a penalty, and there is a push.

“It’s definitely on the line, and you could argue that it was inside. If it’s on the line it’s a penalty for me, I don’t know why that hasn’t been looked into by the referee.”

Former Dens’ Park boss Tony Docherty added: “I think there is an argument that it should be. I remember a similar incident, with Braga at Hearts against Dundee United and I think the initial contact is outside where it continues into the box. It was very quick the decision, made on that.”

Mulgrew on VAR: “I don’t now how they can come up with that conclusion. You can see there is clear contact in the box. It obviously starts outside but it continues right into the corner [of the box]. A clear penalty for me.”

However, the SFA would offer a clarification on the incident from the SFA. Premier Sports host Emma Dodds said: “In the 38th minute, a free kick is correctly awarded outside the penalty area because the pushing began outside and continued inside.

“However, it can only be punished if it is holding that continues inside. Pushing can only be punished at the initial point of contact.”

Mulgrew responded: “There you go, the difference between pushing and pulling…I should have read the small print.”

The Scottish FA (SFA) is facing criticism after a penalty was denied to Celtic in their match against Dundee, sparking debate over the “point of contact” rule. The incident has reignited concerns over VAR consistency and transparency in Scottish football.

SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell acknowledged that mistakes happen but emphasized efforts to minimize errors. Former referees are divided on the decision, with some arguing the foul was inside the box and others claiming the player initiated leg contact ¹ ².

The SFA has promised to review the incident, but Celtic fans and pundits are calling for more transparency and clearer communication around VAR decisions. The controversy has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the Key Match Incidents (KMI) panel, which reviews major incidents ³ ⁴.

*Key Points:*

– _VAR Decision_: The penalty was denied, with VAR agreeing with the on-field call.
– _Debate_: Former referees are split on the decision, citing “point of contact” and leg contact.
– _SFA Response_: Ian Maxwell acknowledges mistakes but emphasizes efforts to improve.

The SFA’s explanation has done little to quell the controversy, with calls for reform and greater transparency growing louder.