The Rugby Park boss has spoken to Scottish FA officials as well after seeing Lewis Mayo harshly punished in clash with the champions
Stuart Kettlewell
Stuart Kettlewell has revealed he’s canvassed foreign refs over the penalty Celtic were awarded in the dying seconds of their win over Kilmarnock.
Brendan Rodgers’ side won a tight game at Rugby Park in controversial circumstances after a James Forrest shot was delfected onto Lewis Mayo’s arm.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored from 12 yards to mark his Hoops debut with a goal, while Kettlewell admitted there was no point seeking clarification after the SFA had already explained why the decision was made.
After discussions with the Hampden blazers since, the former Motherwell gaffer hinted that fans should not expect to see simialr incidents punishined going forward.
“It’s difficult for me how much I can disclose and what I can say,” he said. “What I can say is that I have since had a really good, lengthy conversation and an explanation as to what was seen and what the decision was.
“I’d spoken about it after, but I believe that we’re going to see some disappointed people in Scottish football if that’s what’s seen deemed a penalty kick that ricocheted off a foot and onto an arm from such close proximity.
Lewis Mayo of Kilmarnock handles the ball(Image: Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock)
“It would be my understanding, and again, I need to be careful, I’m not trying to quote anybody here, I would be surprised if we see that again as a penalty throughout the season. I think that would be fair to say.”
Kettlewell also went further afield to gauge opinion. He told the Scottish Football Social Club: “There has been some serious work done behind the scenes, not just in Scotland, but, speaking to other associations, other officials to pick their brains, ‘Would you give that in France, or would you give that in Germany’ or whatever?
“And I think the general consensus is that people don’t want to see it as a penalty. That doesn’t help us on the day. Of course, it doesn’t. But I think that me saying that lines up with what you guys felt, what I think everybody in Scottish Football felt after that game.
“And I think it becomes so difficult for defenders. I would argue that was terrific defending from Robbie Deas and Lewis Mayo and the consequence of a block where your foot is and a ricochet from half a yard. So, I think, we all agree that it can’t be a penalty and we don’t want it seen as a penalty.”