Kris Boyd can't believe Celtic penalty escape as Neil Lennon and James McFadden left equally baffled

The Sky Sports panel were in agreement that Alistair Johnston was lucky to get away with his challenge at a key time

Kris Boyd can't believe St Mirren were denied a penalty at a crucial stage of their 5-2 defeat against Celtic.

With Brendan Rodgers' men leading 3-2 after the Buddies had twice pegged them back either side of half-time, Alistair Johnston appeared to follow through on a challenge and take out Roland Idowu in the box, catching him high on the ankle. Saints boss Stephen Robinson was told on the touchline by the fourth official that it was being checked, but VAR deemed it a "natural football contact" and their verdict was no spot kick.

It was a crucial call as Celtic raced up the park and put the game out of sight, with Daizen Maeda slotting home to make it 4-2 before Yang added a fifth in stoppage time. But Sky Sports pundit Boyd couldn't comprehend how it wasn't a pen for the hosts, with former Hoops boss Neil Lennon agreeing and James McFadden equally baffled.

Boyd: "I cannot believe this penalty has not been given. Listen, there's a slight touch on the ball but he goes through and absolutely wipes him out. It's the studs right into the ankle and I cannot believe a penalty kick has not been given."

Lennon: "Being honest, I think it's a penalty."

McFadden: "They said there was a touch on the ball and it was a natural football contact. That's a penalty for me."

Boyd: "Fair enough but you run the risk anyway when you're challenging like that and you follow right through. For me, it's a penalty kick. And it's above the ankle as well, by the way."

McFadden: "The ball comes towards the goalkeeper. So he does get the first touch, then there's a touch from Idowu. It's a penalty. I can't believe they've looked at that and felt that it was a fair challenge."

Boyd: "It's a crucial time as well because Celtic go up the pitch and score."