Ally McCoist insists Celtic were lucky not to have had a penalty given against them in their Viaplay Cup semi-final against Kilmarnock.
The Hoops won this tournament in 2021 and are one game away from doing so again after a 2-0 win over Derek McInnes' side. Daizen Maeda claimed the first goal after a botched Kyle Lafferty clearance before controversy arose moments prior to Giorgos Giakoumakis finishing things off in stoppage time. The Greek striker looked to have bundled over Joe Wright in the box but referee Willie Collum and VAR waved the Ayrshire claims away.
Misery was compiled when the striker - linked with leaving Glasgow for Urawa Red Diamonds - finished their cup run moments later and ex-Killie player and Rangers hero McCoist reckons Celtic were fortunate: "It's a penalty, absolutely. It's quite amusing as there was a dozen Celtic supporters asking me as I watched the replay and I told them it was a penalty. It didn't go down too well with them but he is all over him. It is a crazy challenge from Giakoumakis as he is all over Wright, every day of the week it is a penalty."
Celtic favourite John Hartson agreed with McCoist's assessment and didn't think Giakoumakis had to be so aggressive. He explained: "Derek said it how it was. Giakoumakis can't get the ball there, it is impossible. I feel he has leant on him and Celtic have got away with one there. There's been games where decisions but I think they benefited. For me, he got away with one and if that's up the other end, Celtic fans are wanting a penalty."
Michael Stewart was on co-commentarry duty on Viaplay and he thought it was a silly challenge: "Giakoumakis goes into the back of him. I tell you what, it's incredibly clumsy, and if it had been given I don't think Giakoumakis could have had too many complaints.
