Liam Scales Celtic handball penalty verdict splits pundits as Neil Lennon turns Aberdeen ally

Liam Scales "got away" with not conceding a Celtic penalty at Hampden, although the call not to penalise the defender has split opinion.

The Irishman would have been a relieved man at half-time after his side had got themselves back on level terms with Aberdeen in their Scottish Cup semi-final clash. He attempted to get himself between Bojan Miovski and the ball as the bounce into the Celtic box, the North Macedonian tried to flick the ball inside and immediately screamed for a spot-kick, claiming the ball had struck Scales on the hand.

Replays showed that was the case, although it happened JUST outside the penalty area. Because play continued without the ref or assistant giving anything, the game resumed with a Dons throw on the far side, rather than at least a free-kick in a dangerous position. But former Parkhead boss Neil Lennon feels Scales can count himself lucky he wasn't punished.

"When we saw it live we thought it was a handball inside the box," he told Premier Sports. "You can see the debate for both ways. If it's outside the box then it's not a penalty but if it's inside the box... You can sympathise with Scales but you can also see where Aberdeen are coming form wanting the penalty.

"When I saw it live because it's happening in that split second, I'm thinking 'that looks a penalty to me'. His arm is out, he's tried to flick it past him and it's caught his arm You see the contact is actually just outside the box. I think Celtic got away with one there."

However, former Celtic and Dons defender Charlie Mulgrew had sympathy for Scales and the officials. He told BBc Scotland: "These days you just never know. But I think he was fully expecting a penalty to be given here. I don't think it is - he can't put his