The REAL reason Rangers didn't receive Celtic penalty after handball as quickfire Willie Collum decision pinpointed

It has emerged as the main talking point from derby day - but why was Celtic star Alistair Johnston not instantly punished for a handball against Rangers?

The Light Blues went down 2-1 at Parkhead to leave them trailing Celtic by eight points in the Scottish Premiership, albeit with two games in hand over their rivals after Paul Bernardo and Kyogo netted for the home side either side of half-time. James Tavernier’s stunning late free kick proved to be nothing but a consolation - with the visitors being down to 10 men after Leon Balogun saw red.

But the debate continues to rumble on over a first-half flashpoint after right-back Johnston appeared to handle the ball in a tussle with Abdallah Sima. Replays appeared to show the Canadian international pushing the ball out of play just before the break, but referee Nick Walsh did not point to the spot. Replays would later show that Sima had strayed into an offside position when the ball was played in with Sky Sports later clarifying the situation - despite Neil Lennon, Kris Boyd and James McFadden uniting during the half-time debrief to state a penalty should have been awarded.

Both Rangers and Philippe Clement have been left reeling with the decision - with an Ibrox club statement claiming broadcaster Sky was also "unhappy" with the process. But the initial penalty was not awarded as VAR Willie Collum believed that a clear and obvious error had not been made.

He believed that Celtic player's hand was in a natural position when it made contact with the ball. That is why Walsh allowed Joe Hart to take a free-kick rather than a goal kick when restarting play. This means that the offside is irrelevant in the context of VAR and Walsh's initial decision.

If Collum had sent Walsh