Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo has dismissed the ongoing debate over a controversial penalty decision in the Premier Sports Cup Final, asserting that Celtic’s dominance on the day justified their victory over Rangers.
The drama unfolded during extra time when Liam Scales appeared to tug Vaclav Cerny’s jersey on the edge of the penalty area.
Referee John Beaton awarded a free kick, and VAR officials, led by Alan Muir, opted against a review, sparking outrage from Rangers fans and officials.
Their calls for a penalty – and subsequent criticism of the Scottish FA – became the main post-match talking point.
Despite an admission from the SFA days later that the decision was incorrect, Celtic emerged victorious in a nail-biting 5-4 penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw in extra time. For Bernardo, the controversy is merely noise in the wake of a deserved triumph.
Speaking to SunSport, he was quick to downplay the incident and highlight Celtic’s performance:
“We don’t focus on that decision. We just move forward now.
“We won the trophy after a very good game and that’s all we think about. It was a difficult game last Sunday.
“Both teams played well and it was a good game for all the supporters to watch.
“But we had almost 70 per cent of the ball and we deserved to win.
“In the final moments, we had the quality to win the game, and the players did so well in the shootout.
“When it came to the big pressure moments, we delivered.”
While Rangers dwell on the penalty row and their defeat, Celtic’s players have enjoyed a short break, basking in the glory of yet another trophy under their belts. For Bernardo and his teammates, the focus now shifts forward, leaving the controversy firmly in the past.
they will do anything to cause trouble & cheat