The officials were right to wave play on as Dundee United loudly claimed for a penalty against Rangers late last night.
That's the view of a former Scottish referee.
The hosts were adamant a spot kick should've been awarded when the ball struck the arm of Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez inside the box.
The entertaining Scottish Premiership clash finished 2-2 at Tannadice, with Nedim Bajrami scoring a 98th minute penalty of his own to equalise at the death for Rangers.
Zac Sapsford and Amar Fatah has United in front twice in the game with two brilliant solo efforts, while Jayden Meghoma‘s powerful hit from range had previously levelled the match for the visitors.
Will Ferry's foul on Max Aarons saw one penalty awarded in front of the away end, but it was at the other end that sparked another major talking point.
Ferry launched a long throw into the box for Bert Esselink. The centre-back couldn't quite connect with the ball, as it instead dropped over his head and hit the arm of Fernandez, which appeared to be by his side, who was landing back on the ground after he'd jumped in the aerial challenge.
Michael Stewart, working on co-commentary duties for Premier Sports for the game, was left shocked that no penalty was awarded.
On BBC, Allan Preston insisted it was a 'clear as day' penalty, while Neil McCann disagreed, pointing out it would have been 'really unfair'.
Read more:
- Danny Rohl says Rangers created the chances of 4 games, Chermiti miss and fan anger
- Danny Rohl slams 'clear offside' call that went against Rangers vs Dundee Utd
Bobby Madden, a former SFA and FIFA referee, has given his view on the flashpoint.
“The absolute definition of ‘natural position,’ this is not a punishable handball and not a penalty," he wrote on Instagram. “As some penalties have been awarded for handball recently some people will be screaming for every hand/arm contact to be punished. Relax.
“Stick to the criteria, as referee and VAR have here, and judge each decision on its own merit.”
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