Kris Boyd has been informed that the rules regarding crowd celebrations have changed, following his criticism of Nicolas Kuhn’s actions after Celtic’s late winner against Ross County.
Kuhn, the German winger, was the hero of the day in Dingwall, scoring an 88th-minute goal to secure a dramatic comeback victory for Celtic.
His celebrations with the away fans were exuberant, as he leapt into the crowd to join in the jubilation. However, the 24-year-old, who was already on a yellow card, did not receive a second booking for leaving the field.
This left former Rangers striker Kris Boyd baffled. Boyd questioned the decision, saying:
“The rules must have changed because I thought he got booked. The rules must have changed…”
In response, ex-SPFL referee Bobby Madden has clarified that a yellow card for celebrating with fans is no longer a mandatory punishment and hasn’t been for over a decade.
Madden took to Instagram to defend the match official, Kevin Clancy, and offered examples where players had not been punished for similar celebrations.
Madden highlighted incidents such as Tom Rogic’s famous goal in 2017, which sealed Celtic’s Invincible Treble, as an instance where no booking was issued despite a player celebrating with supporters.
Madden explained: “Today. Today. 2017. I could share a clip of a player from every team celebrating in that manner and not being cautioned. Scottish football, the home of whataboutery.”
He added that the rule had been altered over a decade ago, with referees now asked to use discretion and common sense.
“The only consideration being if the celebration caused a safety or security risk,” Madden noted.
He stressed that unless the celebration led to a major pitch invasion or posed a risk, no caution would be issued.
“It would probably be better being communicated to the wider football audience that way,” he concluded.
Boyd’s confusion over the decision has now been put to rest, with the clarification showing that Kuhn’s celebrations were within the rules.