OFFICIAL STATEMENT — SFA release official statement to explain WHY Hibs Handball goal was NOT DISALLOWED despite being an obvious robbery of the Hoops

The SFA has issued an explanation as to why Joe Newell’s goal for Hibs against Celtic was allowed to stand.

The midfielder found the net in first half stoppage time from a corner, sparking debate over a possible handball after the ball appeared to travel down his arm in the build up.

Referee David Dickinson checked in with the VAR officials in the booth, but the goal was ultimately awarded.

The SFA told Sky Sports that there was “insufficient evidence of a handball to overturn the on-field decision.”

The incident became a major talking point in the studio, with pundits James McFadden and Kris Boyd both questioning whether the replays showed anything definitive enough to rule it out.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill, whose side went on to win the match, said: “I haven’t seen it again.

“We have a wee monitor at the side, the boys thought it might have been at that stage, but it is what it is.”

There was also another key VAR intervention during the contest.

Jamie McGrath was shown a red card following a challenge on Alistair Johnston.

Celtic eventually secured the win thanks to a goal from substitute Kelechi Iheanacho, adding to Daizen Maeda’s earlier strike, despite the controversy surrounding Newell’s equaliser.

It wrapped up a positive afternoon for the Hoops at Easter Road.

The result saw Celtic draw level on points with leaders Hearts in the race for the Scottish Premiership title.

They now turn their attention to a derby clash against Rangers next weekend, while waiting to see how the Light Blues fare in their trip to Gorgie on Monday night.

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