Dundee United midfielder John Rankin has refused to condemn referee Willie Collum despite his spotkick shocker.
With six minutes remaining and Celtic leading 2-0 at Tannadice yesterday, Rankin fouled former teammate Gary Mackay-Steven.
The offence was committed outside the box but Collum capped a terrible time for Scots whistlers by awarding a penalty.
His mistake added to a week of woe that started with Steven McLean failing to give the Hoops a penalty after Inverness Caley Thistle defender Josh Meekings handled the ball during the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden.
Then, in midweek, Collum’s performance during the Monaco v Juventus Champions League match raised the anger of the Monte Carlo team’s manager Leonardo Jardim.
At least Collum was spared more criticism from Rankin.
“It happened so quickly but it was outside the box,” said the United man.
“I knew I had to tackle him (Mackay-Steven) outside because he moves the ball so quickly when he gets into the penalty area.
“It was a professional foul – I hold my hands up to that – but it wasn’t a penalty.
“The referee has made a mistake but there is nothing we can do about it and mistakes happen.
“Referees are only human so I have no grievance with him.
“Everyone looks at their decisions with a lot of scrutiny but it was just a mistake and everyone makes them.
“It was 2-0 at the time so we are not going to complain. It wasn’t what cost us the game.”
The penalty was converted by Leigh Griffiths to add to his first strike two minutes after the break and second on 65 minutes.
The former Dundee frontman thought Celtic were entitled to a break after what happened against ICT.
Griffiths said: “I have just heard that the penalty was outside the box but we were due bit of luck after the semi-final.
“So I’ll take it and I’ll take the match ball, too.
“Kris Commons is our normal penalty taker but I asked him if I could hit it because I was on two goals.
“I think most penalty takers would pass the ball on if it meant a team-mate getting a hat-trick.”
United manager Jackie McNamara was pleased with his side’s performance until they lost the opening goal.
He said: “I thought in the first half we were very good. We caused them problems and our passing was good.
“I think to concede so soon after the restart was disappointing because that settled Celtic down.”