Celtic’s handball penalty appeals receive a unanimous verdict as the jury considers Nico Raskin’s potential Rangers transfer exit.

The controversial handball decisions from Celtic’s 4-0 Premier Sports Cup victory over Dundee United have sparked plenty of debate, but the jury appears to have reached a largely unanimous verdict on the key incidents.

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin was left confused after VAR decided not to overturn one of Celtic’s goals during the heavy defeat to the Hoops. The decision centred on a handball involving Kasper Hogh before Camilo Duran eventually found the net.

The ball struck Kasper Hogh’s hand in the lead up to Celtic’s second goal at Tannadice(Image: Steve Welsh/PA Wire)

Under the latest interpretation of the handball regulations, the goal was allowed to stand. However, the decision has once again raised questions about the clarity and consistency of the rules, particularly following another controversial incident involving Falkirk just weeks earlier.

Celtic handball verdict

Andy Newport believes the goal was correctly allowed under the current regulations, although he remains critical of the lawmakers for creating what he considers a confusing set of guidelines.

He explained that, under the new rules, Duran’s goal was legitimate because an accidental handball immediately before a teammate scores is no longer automatically considered an offence.

However, Newport argued that the situation highlights how unclear the handball regulations have become. He pointed towards the recent Falkirk controversy as another example of supporters and pundits struggling to understand exactly how the rules are being applied.

On the other side of the pitch, Newport also felt Celtic were fortunate when an appeal involving Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was rejected. He believed the contact occurred above the relevant shirt-line area and therefore did not warrant a penalty.

Scott McDermott agreed that Duran’s goal should have been allowed according to the written rules. However, he questioned how Willie Collum could distinguish the Celtic incident from the Falkirk situation.

For McDermott, the two incidents appeared extremely similar, making the different outcomes difficult to understand. He argued that such inconsistencies are frustrating supporters and damaging confidence in the current handball regulations.

McDermott also felt Celtic benefited from the decision involving Oxlade-Chamberlain, describing the situation as a fortunate escape for the Hoops.

Ryan McDonald was also in agreement that Duran’s goal should stand. He acknowledged that the ball clearly touched Hogh’s hand, but pointed out that an accidental handball before a teammate scores is no longer punishable under the updated rules.

McDonald was less convinced by the Oxlade-Chamberlain appeals, however, believing the ball struck the player around the shoulder area rather than his hand. As a result, he did not believe Celtic should have conceded a penalty.

Should Neil McCann worry about Kilmarnock?

Kilmarnock have now conceded 11 goals across their last three matches, raising questions about whether manager Neil McCann should be concerned about the defensive problems.

Newport offered a balanced assessment. He admitted that some of the goals Kilmarnock have conceded were poor and resulted from individual mistakes, but he has also been impressed by the way the team moves the ball.

In his view, Kilmarnock possess enough attacking quality to enjoy a successful campaign if they can reduce the number of defensive errors and improve their organisation.

McDermott was similarly unconcerned about McCann’s position at this stage. He believes the manager has the ability to identify weaknesses and find solutions.

Kilmarnock have looked particularly impressive going forward, which McDermott sees as a significant positive. However, he acknowledged that defensive improvements are essential and suggested another defender could be required before the transfer window closes.

McDonald took a much more pessimistic stance. He believes the defensive record should absolutely be a concern, warning that Kilmarnock could become involved in a relegation battle if they continue conceding goals at their current rate.

Motherwell suffer cup disappointment

The Steelmen were left stunned by Stenhousemuir(Image: Andy Buchanan/Shutterstock)

Motherwell’s unexpected defeat to Stenhousemuir in the cup also came under discussion, with the question being whether the setback could disrupt their impressive beginning under Alfred Johansson.

Newport viewed the result as disappointing but not catastrophic. Motherwell had appeared to transition smoothly from Jens Berthel Askou’s tenure into Johansson’s new system, and he believes one poor result should not derail their progress.

He pointed out that last season’s side also experienced occasional setbacks before eventually finding strong form. If Motherwell respond positively, Newport does not expect the defeat to develop into a larger problem.

McDermott acknowledged that the result represented a significant disappointment for Johansson, particularly because the manager would have hoped to progress deep into the competition.

Nevertheless, he does not believe the defeat should overshadow the positive football Motherwell have produced under the new boss. The priority now is ensuring the result does not disrupt their momentum.

McDonald criticised Johansson’s team selection, arguing that the manager showed some naivety by making eight changes and giving opportunities to younger players.

He described the defeat as another missed chance for Motherwell to make a serious cup run. However, he stopped short of predicting any major impact on their Premiership or European performances.

Will Nico Raskin leave Rangers?

Nico Raskin(Image: Kirk O’Rourke/Rangers FC/Shutterstock)

Attention then turned to Nico Raskin and his Rangers future.

The Belgian midfielder wore the captain’s armband, but uncertainty remains over whether he will still be at Ibrox once the transfer window closes.

Newport believes Raskin will only leave if Rangers receive an offer that meets their valuation. Andrew Cavenagh has already made it clear that the club are not under pressure to sell.

At present, there is reportedly no bid serious enough for Rangers to consider, although Newport expects interest to increase as deadline day approaches.

McDermott believes an exit remains likely. He expects clubs in England and elsewhere in Europe to become increasingly desperate as the window enters its final stages.

Raskin’s World Cup performances could also increase his appeal. McDermott pointed to Arne Engels’ reported £22 million move to West Ham as a benchmark and suggested Rangers would seek a similar figure for their midfielder.

McDonald, however, believes Raskin has been too inconsistent during his Rangers career. He thinks the club should consider selling while the midfielder still has 18 months remaining on his contract.

Although he believes a fee around £20 million is unrealistic, McDonald feels a separation could benefit both parties.

The biggest obstacle, however, remains the same: Rangers have yet to receive an offer that would force them to make a decision.