By Alan Hutton

22nd Mar, 2023 | 9:21am

Celtic are 'raging' after what pundit spotted v Hibernian

Alan Hutton has insisted time wasting will always be part of football following Hibernian’s display against Celtic on Saturday (18 March).

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Rangers defender said he understands why the Hibs players felt the need to waste time at Parkhead but suggested referees could do more to prevent it.

Despite going 1-0 down after Carl Starfelt gave away a penalty in the first half and putting up with the visitors’ time wasting, the Hoops mounted an impressive second half comeback to ultimately win the game 3-1.

Speaking to BBC Sportsound after the match, Ange Postecoglou said that his side there was a “fair bit going on” on and off the pitch and his side “couldn’t get into any sort of rhythm or flow”.

The boss said that he urged his players to “focus on the football” at half time ahead of their second half turnaround.

When asked if there is anything officials can do to limit players wasting time in games, Hutton told Football Insider: “It is probably always going to be a part of it.

“I can’t sit here and say that I have not done it. The ref is telling you to walk off that side and you just take the long way, especially if you are winning.

“I must admit when it is against you you are raging.

“It is kind of down to the ref, he has to speed it up, get the ball back in play.

“I do feel for Hibs here, you get a guy sent off after about 25 minutes, you played Rangers the week before, they are now at Celtic Park and they can’t keep the ball so that is probably why they are wasting time.“

In other news, Celtic idol suggests ‘next Henrik Larsson’ will dazzle for Hoops in Champions League next season.