Neil Lennon cries penalty to Rangers as Alistair Johnston handball gets unanimous pundits verdict

Kenny Miller turned the ‘penalty to Rangers’ jibe on its head after Celtic survived a spot kick claim in the Old Firm derby – and the former Ibrox striker was reminded he was the last Light Blues player to score a penalty at Parkhead THIRTEEN years ago.

Alistair Johnston appeared to handle the ball inside the box in the dying minutes of the first half of the derby in the east end of Glasgow. But referee Nick Walsh didn’t spot it and after a VAR check by Willie Collum, the decision was given to award a goalkick to Celtic.

And the Sky Sports panel were unanimous in their verdict that a penalty should have been given with Kris Boyd saying: “100 per cent. [Abdallah] Sima has that down the other side of him. It is accidental but it is going to lead to a chance. Sima is there. Alistair Johnston's hand puts it out of play. He has used his hand to take it away. It is a penalty kick all day long.”

And ex Celtic boss Neil Lennon said: "If I was the manager and that didn't go for me I would be apoplectic. It is such a clear one. Especially when you see it from behind the goal. He actually stops Sima from maybe getting a cross in. It is accidental but it is clear and obvious."

Paulo Bernardo scored a stunning opening to give the Hoops the lead in the game but Rangers were pushing for an equaliser. And as a ball was played into the box, Canadian Johnston, already on a booking, challenged Abdallah Sima for the ball and appeared to handle it out. Sky Sports commentator Ian Crocker told how VAR was checking it.

As the incident was played, Miller said “Whose hand does it hit?” Crocker said: “Rangers haven’t had a penalty here since 2010… scored by Kenny Miller. But the check is complete.” Miller said: “So that’s the last time Rangers