VAR and Sky Sports don’t want to know as Celtic are denied two clear penalties at Kilmarnock

Celtic denied what looks a penalty for handball by Brad Lyons at Rugby Park. Oxlade-Chamberlain shot goal bound – Brad Lyons looks to stop it with his arm then goes down as if it hit him on head. You can see him looking where ball went, indicating it hit on hand. pic.twitter.com/YzwDytueFI

— The Global Tablet of Jurisprudence (@gtj1247) February 15, 2026

From the edge of the penalty area Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fires powerfully at goal.

Lyon’s recognises the danger, turns away from the shot and raises his right arm to block.

It is hard to excuse referee Duncan Nicholson ‘missing’ the incident. What body part did he think the ball struck to block the shot? Only a raised arm.

There is no justification for Aitken either missing the incident or reviewing it and asking Nicolson to review it pitch-side.

With controversy a favourite theme Sky Sports made nothing of the incident, even in replay. Chris Sutton on co-commentary duty didn’t mention how the shot was blocked.

This time absolutely no doubt – blatant handball by same guy, Brad Lyons. Lifts his hand up & palms it like a volleyball shot. Celtic robbed at Rugby Park by the refs AGAIN. Absolute shocker. Celtic robbed of 3 points. pic.twitter.com/345WcLXYKq

— The Global Tablet of Jurisprudence (@gtj1247) February 15, 2026

GREG AITKEN DOESNT WANT TO KNOW

The second penalty claim is inexcusable. A high bouncing ball into the penalty box in the 85th minute had Lyons in a panic.

As Sebastian Tounekti waited on the ball to bounce Lyons raised his right arm then in a punching movement made contact with the ball.

Sky Sports and Aitken on VAR went through the same routine. Neither wanted to highlight or discuss the incident.

Sky Sports were keen to hype up the excitement and drama. They didn’t show the same enthusiasm for two incidents of handball.

Exactly the type of incidents that VAR is there to detect.

Fortunately justice was done in the sixth minute of stoppage time when Julian Araujo slotted the ball into the net.

Had Celtic dropped points more would have been made by supporters over Nicolson and Aitken refusing to apply the Laws of the Game.

CELTIC ON MUTE FOR 14 YEARS

Unfortunately since July 2012 Celtic have taken a vow of silence on all refereeing issues.

At the November League Cup semi-final Nick Walsh and VAR denied Celtic two blatant penalty kicks.

With their passive stance on these issues Celtic sat back and allowed the attempted beheading of Jack Butland to dominate. Not a peep was heard in legacy media about the Reo Hatate penalty incident until the Thursday after the match.

Kilmarnock coach Billy Dodds claimed live on radio that Auston Trusty raked his studs across Butland’s face.

With three points separating three teams at the top of the SPFL Premiership it looks like the title will be decided by small margins.

Celtic can’t count on 96th minute winners too often.

Perhaps getting match officials to apply the Laws of the Game will avoid the late drama and a booking for Araujo.

Says it all. pic.twitter.com/IelLfkYOLd

— Boristhehead (@BigPatsy01) February 14, 2026