Ally McCoist has continued to express his frustration over the late penalty awarded to Celtic during the Old Firm draw, saying decisions like that are taking something away from the game.
The spot kick was given after Dujon Sterling was judged to have handled the ball when Daizen Maeda’s header struck his arm in the closing moments at Ibrox. Former referee Chris Foy reviewed the incident and said he agreed with the decision under the current rules — but that hasn’t changed McCoist’s view.
Speaking on talkSPORT two days after the match, McCoist said he still struggles to understand what Sterling was supposed to do differently in that situation. He argued that the defender was simply playing naturally and had no intention of handling the ball. His suggestion was clear: bring the concept of “intent” back into handball decisions.
Gabby Agbonlahor shared similar feelings, saying many fans can recognise what deliberate handball looks like, and that this incident didn’t fit that description. Both believe the way the rule is currently applied is causing frustration among supporters.
However, under IFAB’s Law 12, a handball offence can be given if a player’s arm makes their body “unnaturally bigger,” even if there is no clear intent. Because Sterling’s arm was deemed to be in such a position and the header was goal-bound, officials concluded it met the criteria for a penalty.
While the debate about intent and interpretation continues, the decision itself was consistent with the rules as they are currently written.