Celtic news: Ex-Premier League referee issues three-word verdict as controversial Nir Bitton footage analysed
Bodo/Glimt’s first goal in their 2-0 win over Celtic yesterday (24 February) should have been disallowed for a foul in the build-up.
That is the view of ex-Fifa and Premier League referee Keith Hackett, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the challenge on Nir Bitton that launched Bodo/Glimt’s counter-attack.
In the ninth minute, Stephen Welsh played a pass into Bitton just past the halfway line but the ball was stolen by the hosts.
The Celtic captain for the night stayed on the floor after the tackle clutching his leg in obvious pain.
The referee waved play on and eventually, Ola Solbakken finished off the move with a calm left-foot finish from just inside the penalty area past the diving Joe Hart.
The Norweigan champions doubled their lead in the second half and progressed to the round of 16 with a 5-1 aggregate victory over the Hoops.
Asked for his verdict on the challenge by Bitton, Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “That’s a foul.
“It would have been a clear and obvious error and they would legitimately be able to go back on that one. A goal has resulted.”
Bodo/Glmit have been drawn against Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League round of 16.
Celtic are next in action on Sunday (27 February) when they travel to Hibs in the Scottish Premiership.
They could extend their three-point lead at the top of the table before Rangers host Motherwell later the same day.
In other news, a Celtic star will take a long time to recover after ‘indescribable’ news.