Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton were at odds once again on Sky Sports after Celtic’s commanding 4-1 win over Ross County, with Boyd adamant that Alistair Johnston should have been sent off during the match.
The controversial incident occurred when the Canadian defender fouled County substitute Kieran Phillips on the goal line, conceding a penalty.
Jordan White converted from the spot to bring Ross County level, but Celtic regained control through Kyogo Furuhashi’s second goal of the day and late strikes from Arne Engels and Luke McCowan, securing a comfortable victory for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
However, Boyd argued that Celtic should have been reduced to ten men. He criticized VAR officials Greg Aitken and Graeme Leslie, as well as referee Matthew McDermid, accusing them of “going round the houses” in their review and ultimately missing what he deemed a clear red card offense.
Boyd’s frustration was evident as he said:
“I cannot understand why that’s not a red card—cannot understand. There’s no attempt to play the ball, and it’s denying him a goal-scoring opportunity. Jordan White, great composure. He had to wait a long time to take that penalty because I think they go round the house trying to find something wrong with it, didn’t they? But you can see there’s absolutely no attempt to play the ball there. No attempt.”
Johnston himself admitted fault in the challenge, acknowledging his error without disputing the penalty decision. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:
“I got wrong side, and it was a great ball, to be fair. I tried to get across him and just make it shoulder to shoulder, but caught him in the back. I knew it right away, it was a pen. So no arguments there.”
Despite Johnston’s admission, Boyd was unwavering in his criticism, insisting the challenge warranted a red card. But Chris Sutton leapt to Johnston’s defense, countering Boyd’s claims:
“That’s a massive assumption, isn’t it? Phillips gets across him, and he knows he’s done. There’s a slight nudge. You don’t see red cards for that. I mean, you know, it’s more defending that.”
The debate grew more heated as Boyd pressed his point, claiming Phillips was denied a clear chance to score. Sutton accused Boyd of reaching for excuses, replying:
“He’s going to put the ball in the net. I’d like to see what you’d say if it wasn’t Celtic.”
The clash between the pundits followed an eventful game in the Highlands. After a slow start, Celtic took the lead through Furuhashi’s first goal, assisted by Johnston.
The game’s turning point came with Johnston’s foul and the ensuing penalty, but Celtic quickly regained their advantage.
Furuhashi restored the lead with a header, and Engels added a third with a penalty, scored on his second attempt after County goalkeeper Jordan Amissah was penalized for stepping off his line.
Luke McCowan sealed the result with a late goal in the 98th minute, ensuring a decisive win for the league leaders.
