Iheanacho penalty in stoppage hands Celtic 2-1 win at Kilmarnock amid controversy

Kelechi Iheanacho converted a stoppage-time penalty to give Celtic a dramatic 2-1 win at Kilmarnock on Sunday, a victory that manager Brendan Rodgers said underlined the striker’s big-game temperament but which left the home side furious at the officiating.

Daizen Maeda had given Celtic the lead with a diving header early on, and Kilmarnock were levelled when David Watson rose to head home, but the match was decided deep into stoppage time when referee John Beaton adjudged a Lewis Mayo handball in the box and awarded a penalty. With regular taker Arne Engels off the pitch, substitute Iheanacho stepped up and smashed the spot-kick home, celebrating with travelling Celtic supporters.

Rodgers, who worked with Iheanacho at Leicester, said he was pleased the forward showed composure in a tense moment and predicted the striker will continue to contribute as he regains match fitness. "I was really pleased for Kels," Rodgers said. "He’s got big moments in him, and once he gets fitter, he’s only going to get better. Our penalty taker was off the pitch. Benji wanted it, but my message was for Kels. I know the confidence he brings and I also know what a goal will do for him."

Iheanacho was signed after the transfer window closed, having been released by Sevilla, and Rodgers said the result was important after what he described as "a long couple of weeks." He added that while Celtic were slow at times, the team grew into the game in the second half, feeding their wide players quicker and dominating large spells.

Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell was adamant the decision to award the penalty contradicted guidance he said had been given at pre-season meetings with the Scottish Football Association. "We might as well cut to the chase, 96 minutes by the time the penalty is taken. I need a question answered," Kettlewell said. He said his staff had initially believed, on the basis of the rules he had been shown, that the incident would not be penalised and that he only watched replays after the spot-kick was awarded.

The SFA issued an explanation after the match, saying: "The penalty was awarded for handball by the Kilmarnock defender whose arm is in an unnatural position. A deflection doesn’t always negate a handball offence. He doesn’t know where the ball is going and his arm is up in an unnatural position to block a shot." Kettlewell said he would seek further clarification.

Celtic players and staff also had to contend with unrest among supporters; a large group of visiting fans remained outside the ground at kick-off in protest at the club board. Rodgers said the players showed resilience amid the off-field noise. "That’s what this club is about, that Celtic spirit that keeps you going right to the very end and it paid off for us," he said.

Kettlewell paid tribute to his players despite the outcome, describing himself as "immensely proud" but frustrated by the late turning point. The result keeps Celtic on course in domestic competition while leaving Kilmarnock to rue a stoppage-time decision that denied them a point at Rugby Park.

Rodgers referenced Iheanacho’s previous successful penalty for Celtic at Wembley in the Community Shield under his management and said that confidence would help the striker settle. Iheanacho’s recent career included limited impact spells at Middlesbrough and in Spain, but Rodgers expressed belief that the forward can become an important performer for Celtic as he sharpens his fitness and builds familiarity with his teammates.