Supporters have been talking about a disallowed Sebastian Tounekti goal against Falkirk, with an offside call denying him what would have been his fourth of the season.
Celtic’s 2-0 win over Falkirk lifted them into second place in the Scottish Premiership, moving ahead of Rangers on goal difference thanks to their superior scoring record.
Tounekti found the net again when Celtic were already two goals up, but Daizen Maeda was flagged offside in the build-up, and the goal didn’t count.
However, some fans noticed an earlier incident just before the offside call that has led to debate over whether the goal should have stood or if Celtic should have been given a penalty instead.
To get a clearer perspective on what happened, 67 Hail Hail reached out to former FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg for his opinion on the decision.
Celtic fans pick up on possible foul involving Daizen Maeda
With the hosts two goals to the good, the match was already in their control. Still, both sets of fans know how much impact a third goal could have had.
For Falkirk, a quick response would’ve made it interesting. For Celtic, one more would’ve put things beyond doubt and wrapped up all three points.
But just before the ball found the back of the net, Maeda appeared to be pushed into the path of what would become an offside strike, preventing what might have been a legitimate goal.
The incident left some fans wondering whether Celtic should have been given a penalty or if the goal itself should have stood.
Mark Clattenburg backs offside call against Celtic’s Falkirk goal
Footage suggests that Celtic might feel hard done by, but the former FIFA referee saw it differently.
Speaking exclusively to 67 Hail Hail, Clattenburg explained: “Sebastián Tounekti’s goal was given offside as the ball hit Daizen Maeda on the goal line who was standing in an offside position in the build up.
“One can argue that he was pushed into an offside position by a defender and is this push enough to award a penalty kick.”
Clattenburg added, “I am not sure this contact is enough to award a penalty so the offside is correct.”
We also asked for more detail about whether Maeda had been fouled before going into an offside position. Clattenburg said, “He is in an offside position after the push, so the only offence that could happen is a penalty for the push.”
“You cannot turn around and say we will not give him offside because he was pushed.”
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