Is this the worst penalty decision ever?

Published: 17:35 EDT, 16 October 2026 | Updated: 17:50 EDT, 16 October 2026

Viewers were calling it the ‘worst penalty award’ they’d ever seen. Former Scotland star James McFadden could only say ‘wow’.

FIFA referee Matthew MacDermid certainly won’t want to watch the highlights back on Saturday morning.

🗣️ “Wow”

James McFadden is in disbelief as Partick Thistle take the lead against Ayr United from the penalty spot through Oisin Smyth.

⌚️ Watch the second half on BBC Scotland pic.twitter.com/vnjbMHWF84

— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) October 16, 2026

Seb Drozd lies smirking on the ground after winning a contentious penalty for Partick Thistle

MacDermid awarded a penalty to Partick Thistle when Seb Drozd dropped to the ground theatrically, with no apparent contact from Ayr defender Kevin Holt.

Smyth converted from 12 yards to give Thistle a 1-0 win and even Partick boss Mark Wilson admitted afterwards it was not a penalty.

The worst ever? Judge for yourself.