Liam Scales delivers verdict on ‘harsh’ and ‘accidental’ St Mirren penalty call

Liam Scales believes the penalty awarded against him in Celtic’s 2-1 victory over St Mirren was “harsh” after an eventful night for the Hoops defender in Paisley.

Martin O’Neill’s side fell behind in the first half when Chris Mochrie’s effort struck Scales’ right arm inside the penalty area, with referee Ryan Lee pointing to the spot.

Nikolas Agrafiotis converted to give the hosts the lead, but Scales went from villain to hero after the break by glancing home Celtic’s equaliser on 51 minutes before Hyun-jun Yang completed the turnaround shortly afterwards.

“The captain and manager spoke at half-time and we knew we had to get better in the second half,” Scales told Sky Sports post-match. “We improved and that paid off after the break as got the goals and the points.

“My own night? It was up and down wasn’t it?

“It was accidental for the penalty but I thought it was harsh. Maybe my arm was too high but I have to see it back. I was just relieved to get the goal and get the win.”

The victory maintained Celtic’s perfect domestic start and moved them five points clear of St Mirren at the Premiership summit.

O’Neill admitted his side had been second best for a spell during a difficult opening half but was pleased with the response after the interval.