BRENDAN Rodgers last night defended referee Craig Thomson over his decision to award Celtic a penalty in the Betfred Cup final.

Rodgers’s Motherwell counterpart Stephen Robinson was furious that Thomson gave a spot kick in the 58th minute at Hampden after a Cedric Kipre challenge on Scott Sinclair.

The Northern Irishman was also unhappy the French defender was ordered off – effectively ending the Fir Park club’s hopes of getting back into the match.

However, the Celtic manager, whose side were leading 1-0 before the incident after James Forrest’s strike, felt the match official got the penalty call right. “I looked at it and think it’s a penalty,” he said.

“It’s a great ball and Scotty makes the run and is getting there. Obviously the defender cannot get there, so he impedes him. He pulls him. So I think it’s a penalty.

“I’m not sure what the rules are now, so I’m not sure it’s a sending-off. I’m sure Stephen will feel the sending-off is a bit harsh. But I definitely thought it was a penalty. He has impeded Scotty when he’s in the box and Moussa [Dembele] scores.

“It’s a brilliant victory for us today. We had to tick a few character boxes after midweek [the 7-1 defeat at PSG] and yet again the players produced.

“It was always going to be difficult for us with the way Motherwell have started the season and the confidence with which they play. We were always going to have to be patient today and wait for our moments. Once we got the first goal, we settled into a rhythm.

“It’s our fourth trophy in 12 months which is a phenomenal achievement really.

“Huge credit to the players because of their hunger and desire to keep playing. To keep a clean sheet was also important for us.

“Jamesy’s goal was a good move. We started to pass the ball and combine a lot better in the second half, in particular during that phase of the game.

“It was a wonderful piece of skill. It’s difficult for the defender who maybe thinks he’s going to go on the outside but James has that ability to come in on his left side and play it with the out-side of his foot or bend it in, which he did. It was a great finish.”

Rodgers singled out Craig Gordon, who denied Motherwell striker Louis Moult at 1-0, for special praise.

“Craig didn’t have a lot to do today but that save was brilliant,” he said. It was great reactions. Those are saves that are important for you. From that, we kept going and got the second goal.”

The 44-year-old admitted he was proud to make history by winning four consecutive trophies.

“I didn’t know that up until Saturday,” he said. “Of course it’s a very special thing to have happen to you.”

Forrest, who won match of the match, said: “You want to play in finals and it’s another successful day at Hampden for us, we’re all buzzing.”

Moussa Dembele’s goal from the spot came after Scott Sinclair was tugged back by Cedric Kipre, who was sent off.

Sinclair said: “I felt a little bit of contact, it doesn’t matter how much contact it is, he got a little tug at my arm and I went down.

“Every trophy is special. We’ve been relentless, we keep going, winning games and hopefully winning trophies.”