Refereeing decisions have once again dominated the headlines following Celtic’s hard-fought win over Kilmarnock.
Since the final whistle, former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has led the charge, insisting that Celtic’s Reo Hatate should have been sent off.
However, Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes was quick to counter, arguing the tackle wasn’t as severe as Boyd made it out to be.
Adding to the debate, Peter Grant pointed to an incident involving Celtic striker Adam Idah, claiming an elbow from a Kilmarnock player should have been dealt with more harshly by the officials.
Yet, it was Dermot Gallagher, the respected former Grade One referee, who provided the most balanced view on the Hatate incident. Reviewing the challenge on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, Gallagher defended the yellow card decision.
“I think it looks worse than it is,” Gallagher explained. “It’s a plastic pitch, so he’s sliding along it.
“He starts low, he does catch him but I don’t think he generates intensity, and he does pull out as well.
“And by pulling out, that’s why his foot comes up. I think the referee has got the best view.
“It’s not nice but it’s a yellow card for me.”
Joe Wright’s Challenge on Schmeichel
While the focus has largely been on Hatate, Kilmarnock’s Joe Wright also escaped serious punishment for a late challenge on Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Billy Dodds weighed in on BBC Sportscene, suggesting Wright was lucky to stay on the pitch.
“There was,” Dodds said. “And you can see once he’s kicked it away. I think if he connects, he’s off the pitch as well, Donnelly.
“So, lucky. Schmeichel not happy. Auston Trusty is over and is not happy and you can see why. The swipe of the arm, if that connects, it’s a knockout.”
Celtic’s Commanding Position
Despite the controversy, Celtic head into the final international break of 2024 in a dominant position. Nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, Brendan Rodgers’ side also boasts a commanding goal difference.
In the League Cup final and with Champions League progress in sight, Rodgers appears well-placed for a season to remember.