Bobby Madden has explained why Kasper Schmeichel’s controversial penalty incident is not comparable to Jack Butland’s recent flashpoint, while calling for new rules to address goalkeeper conduct during spot-kicks.
Ross County took the lead at Dingwall after Liam Scales was penalised for handball following a VAR review. Ronan Hale stepped up to take the penalty but was initially denied by Celtic’s veteran goalkeeper, Schmeichel.
However, the penalty was ordered to be retaken after VAR confirmed Schmeichel had stepped off his line too early. Hale made no mistake the second time, firing a low drive past the keeper.
Despite the setback, Celtic rallied to secure a 2-1 victory with goals from Alistair Johnston and a late winner from Nicolas Kuhn, bouncing back from their Champions League thrashing by Borussia Dortmund.
In the aftermath, Madden pointed out that many had compared Schmeichel’s incident to Jack Butland’s penalty save for Rangers against Hibernian, where Butland kept out Mykola Kukharevych’s effort.
However, Madden was quick to clarify the differences, noting that a goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot on or above the goal line at the time of the penalty – something Schmeichel failed to do, justifying the retake.
Praising the use of VAR, Madden said: “Excellent and consistent use of VAR. Handball correctly awarded and illegal save identified. Very similar to the handball awarded to Celtic against Hearts.”
Madden also highlighted the importance of consistency in VAR decisions, calling for greater regulation of goalkeeper conduct. Specifically, he urged that tampering with the penalty spot, as Schmeichel was seen doing, should result in a caution for unsporting behaviour.
He added: “One thing I would like to see cautioned is unsporting behaviour such as tampering with the penalty spot and attempting to delay the restart of play.”
Madden’s call for stricter rules around goalkeeper actions reflects a growing sentiment within the game to clamp down on gamesmanship during high-pressure moments like penalties.