Willie Collum clarifies Celtic handball controversy after Dundee United 4-0 win

Willie Collum has provided clarification on the controversial handball incident surrounding Celtic’s opening goal in their 4-0 victory over Dundee United.

Celtic produced an impressive performance, with Dundee United hitting the woodwork five times, while Martin O’Neill’s side proved far more clinical in front of goal. New arrivals Haissem Hassan and Mika Baur also made their Celtic debuts after being added to the squad in time for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with LASK.

However, Camilo Duran’s first competitive goal for Celtic sparked controversy after the ball appeared to strike a teammate’s arm during the build-up.

The incident was reviewed by VAR, with the stadium announcer initially confirming that officials were checking for a possible foul on the Dundee United defender.

After reviewing the footage, VAR determined that there had been no foul. The ball had indeed made contact with the Celtic player’s arm, but officials concluded that it did not constitute a punishable handball under the laws of the game.

Willie Collum explains Celtic handball decision

Head of Referees Willie Collum has now backed the decision made by the referee and VAR team.

In a statement to Premier Sports, Collum explained that the handball was accidental and occurred as a consequence of the player’s movement.

He also highlighted an important distinction in the handball laws: the specific rule concerning an immediate goal following handball only applies when the player who handles the ball is the one who subsequently scores.

As another Celtic player eventually finished the move, that particular provision did not apply.

The incident was later compared with the disallowed Falkirk goal from the opening weekend of the Premiership, but Collum argued that the two situations were different and should not be treated as identical.

The clarification means Celtic’s goal stands, with the officials satisfied that the correct decision was reached following the VAR review.

For O’Neill and Celtic, the focus can now turn back to their impressive 4-0 victory and the upcoming Champions League play-off against LASK.