Callum McGregor insists there was nothing in Kilmarnock’s vociferous late claims for a Hampden penalty.
The Parkhead side moved into the Viaplay Cup Final after a semi-final win secured by goals from Daizen Maeda and Giorgos Giakoumakis. However, just moments before the Greek netted the clincher in stoppage time, he was involved in a big spot-kick claim at the other end.
Killie were fuming that VAR did not ask referee Willie Collum to have a second look after Joe Wright went down in the box under pressure from Giakoumakis as the pair jostled to reach Ash Taylor’s long throw. Both manager Derek McInnes and Wright were adamant Collum should have pointed to the spot or at least been advised to have a review. But McGregor said: “I don’t think so. When the ball gets thrown in the box like that, both teams are going to be physical to try and gain an advantage. I don’t think there was anything in it.”
Wright had no doubts and complained: “I felt two arms around me and I don’t know what else I am meant to do. I was brought down.
“Alan Power said VAR checked it and they agreed with him (Collum). I don’t understand how it doesn’t get overturned.”
McGregor, meanwhile, insists Celtic will forget about the Final as they go on the hunt for more prizes. The Hoops face St Mirren on Wednesday night as they look to stay clear in the Premiership before the Scottish Cup campaign begins against Morton on Saturday.
McGregor said: “Our objective was to get to the cup final and we have done that. We park it now.
“We have a big game during the week and then another cup game at the weekend. As always, the next game is the most important for us.”
McGregor has never lost a major Final with Celtic, but smiled and said: “Don’t jinx me!” He continued: “Obviously it is good to get there. Like I said, that was the objective.
“But there is a lot of football to be played between now and then and when the final comes around, the ambition is to win it. We are tasked to bring success to this club and that’s what we’ll try to do.”
READ NEXT:
