Willie Collum has admitted Celtic should have been awarded a penalty when Callum McGregor’s shot struck Lukas Fadinger’s arm during the 2-0 victory over Motherwell.

The Scottish FA’s head of refereeing reviewed the incident on the latest VAR Review show and concluded that the Motherwell midfielder’s arm was in an unnatural position.

Referee Steven McLean allowed play to continue, with Celtic receiving only a corner. VAR Don Robertson did not intervene to recommend an on-field review.

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Explaining the incident, Collum said:

“As the shot comes in, he’s turning his body away, he’s bringing his leg up to block the ball.

“There’s definitely discussion between the referee and the VAR about the arm tucked in. I think the elbow’s tucked in, but the Motherwell player takes a real risk by his arm out from the body here.

“And in our opinion, after reviewing this incident, our coaching going forward is that this should be a penalty kick, should be awarded in this incident.

“Perhaps if McGregor hits this shot here and the Motherwell player is trying to pull his arm back, and he’s only maybe one yard away, it’s back to your previous comments. You could maybe make an argument there.

“But here the ball travels a fair distance, clear shot at goal, and ultimately, when you pause the still image, when the ball strikes the arm, the arm is out and unnatural from the body.”

Fortunately for Celtic, the missed decision did not prevent them from collecting three points at Fir Park.

That does not make the error insignificant. McLean and Robertson had the opportunity between them to reach the correct outcome, yet Celtic were denied a spot-kick.

Collum’s explanation offers clarity on what should have happened. The important part now is ensuring that guidance produces the correct decision when a similar incident occurs again.

But by the time that the Head of Referees stands next to Gordon Duncan in a month or so’s time, he’ll talk about another decision, probably similar to this, and tell fans that the referees are receiving guidance that a devision should be awarded for something similar.