Kasper Schmeichel showcased a rarely seen fiery side during Celtic’s 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock yesterday, with the veteran goalkeeper visibly furious at an incident involving Killie’s Liam Donnelly.
The flashpoint came late in the match when Donnelly, pressing high in Celtic’s box, launched into a challenge as Schmeichel attempted to clear the ball to Alistair Johnston on the right flank.
At first glance, it seemed the Northern Irishman had missed his target. However, replays aired by Sky Sports revealed Donnelly’s forearm was raised, forcing the 38-year-old Dane to take evasive action.
Referee Nick Walsh opted not to penalize Donnelly, a decision backed by retired official Dermot Gallagher on Sky’s Ref Watch. But the verdict wasn’t unanimous.
Pundits Stephen Warnock, a former Liverpool defender, and Sue Smith, an ex-England international, strongly disagreed, arguing Donnelly’s actions displayed clear intent.
Warnock was unequivocal: “I believe he should pursue that.”
Smith added: “Yes, it is impolite. That is quite intense. Oh, that is quite violent to strike him in the face.”
The pair emphasized the potential consequences of Donnelly’s raised arm. Warnock suggested Schmeichel could have been seriously injured if contact had been made.
“He incapacitates him. Should he strike him in the face, he will lose consciousness. The velocity at which he is moving is likely to cause him to fracture his mandible. That is exceedingly impolite. He is fully aware of his actions,” Warnock insisted.
Schmeichel’s reaction was telling. The goalkeeper, normally composed, was visibly enraged, a sign of how seriously he viewed the incident.
Warnock pointed to the raised arm as a crucial factor in the controversy, asserting that Donnelly knew exactly what he was doing.
“This is the reason Kasper Schmeichel is so enraged,” Warnock continued.
“He is aware that the clenched fist is a topic of conversation when his arm is observed, and he tries to avoid it. I believe that is extremely impolite. He comprehends precisely what he is endeavouring to accomplish.”
Gallagher interjected, questioning the severity: “Despite the location at which he apprehends him?”
Warnock, however, dismissed the point: “It is irrelevant. Indeed, it is solely due to his diminutive stature. He is catching Kasper Schmeichel right across the face there if he is any taller.”