DERMOT GALLAGHER reckons referee Kevin Clancy was spot on with his decision to award Aberdeen a penalty at Celtic Park on Sunday.

Dons defender David Bates went down under the challenge of Liel Abada and the whistler pointed straight to the spot.

Celtic legend John Hartson questioned the decision on the Hoops' club TV channel, but Gallagher has backed Clancy.

On Sky Sports News, he said: "Penalty. Unfortunate, but it's a penalty, isn't it?

"He dangles a leg, he doesn't mean to trip him but he does trip him.

"The referee has an absolutely perfect view."

Gallagher's verdict comes after Hartson said: "It's Abada on Bates, but I've seen this now three or four times, and for me there is no contact.

"Abada pulls his foot away. Not only is it not a penalty for me, but it's a yellow card for Bates also.

"But the referee couldn't point his finger quick enough to the spot.

"I genuinely think there is no contact at all there and Abada and Celtic have been really hard done by.

"Lewis Ferguson steps up and was really calm, and takes a good penalty, but it should never have got to there.

"I genuinely don't think Abada touches Bates at all. I think they have bought a decision off the referee there Aberdeen."