RONNY Deila last night appealed to his Celtic players not to dwell on the refereeing blunder that cost the Parkhead club victory in the Scottish Cup semi-final - and the chance to land the Treble.

 

Deila's side crashed to an agonising 3-2 defeat after extra-time to bogey team Inverness Caledonian Thistle in a thrilling match in the William Hill-sponsored tournament at Hampden yesterday afternoon.

However, the Parkhead club was denied a certain penalty just before half-time when Inverness defender Josh Meekings blatantly handled the ball just yards from his own goal line.

Referee Steven McLean and his additional assistant referee Alan Muir both had a clear view of the controversial incident - but Meekings escaped punishment and no spot kick was awarded.

John Hughes's side, who had been trailing 1-0 at that point, staged a fightback in the second half after Celtic had their goalkeeper Craig Gordon ordered off and recorded an historic win.

It was the fourth time the Highlanders, who will now play Falkirk in the first Scottish Cup final in their 21 year history on May 30, have scuppered the Parkhead club's hopes of winning silverware.

The amalgamated club knocked Celtic out the Scottish Cup in 2000 and 2003 and dealt a hammer blow their hopes of winning the Scottish title in 2011 with a 3-2 league win at home.

Deila, who had been chasing a clean sweep of domestic trophies in his first season as Celtic manager, was furious no action was taken at a showpiece match that had no fewer than six officials.

But the Norwegian coach has urged his charges, who vented their anger to McLean and his assistants at half-time and again at full-time, to focus on winning the SPFL Premiership for the fourth year running.

"It's hard to take of course," he said. "Of course it's a blow for us. But already I am starting to think of the next game. We have to move on. We still have a lot to fight for. The league title is still the most important thing. We have to get back on track."

Asked specifically about the Meekings incident, Deila replied: "I don't think I have to say much about that. I think everybody can see what's happening."

Deila was particularly scathing about Muir - who was perfectly positioned just a few yards away from the hand ball. "We have five referees - maybe we need seven!" he said. "One on each post maybe?

"He (Muir) has one task. He has to look at something on the goal line. The game is finished if we get it (the penalty). Referees make mistakes, but this one was very hard to take. It's very hard for me to discuss this. It's a big blow for the boys. I'm very disappointed.

"But on Wednesday we have another game (they take on Dundee at Dens Park) and we are going to fight. Good teams bounce back quickly. We have to be back on track, and that's what we're aiming for."

Deila conceded the ordering off of Gordon for bringing down Inverness striker Marley Watkins in the second half was correct. "That's okay," he said. "The rule is what it is. I think the rule is very hard, but that's nothing to do with the refs. We have to live with that."

Deila's opposite number Hughes, meanwhile, urged the SFA to review the rules which mean Inverness defender Gary Warren, who picked up a booking for a foul on James Forrest, will be suspended for the final.

He said: "To deny someone the opportunity to go and play in a cup final, especially a Scottish Cup final with all its history, really rankles with me. If it is a straight red in the semi-final then by all means you don't play. But we need to look at it when it is two bookings."