Ex-FIFA official hits out at Ange Postecoglou as ‘awful’ Celtic footage analysed
Keith Hackett has insisted the referee had no option but to give Celtic midfielder David Turnbull his marching orders for an “awful” high challenge on St Johnstone’s Remi Matthews.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee hit back at Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou – who claimed there was no “intent” on the 23-year-old’s part.
As seen on BBC’s Sportscene (10:12, 24 December), Turnbull saw red after a lengthy VAR check following a dangerously high challenge on St Johnstone goalkeeper Matthews.
The midfielder faces an automatic two-match ban – meaning he will miss crucial clashes against Hibernian and Rangers.
The dismissal meant little in the context of the game – which was won 4-1 by Celtic after braces from Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi.
Speaking post-match and quoted by The Scotsman, Hoops boss Postecoglou claimed he was “disappointed” by the decision of referee Kevin Clancy – insisting there was “no intent” behind Turnbull’s challenge.
He believed a yellow card would have been ample punishment for the Scotland international.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It doesn’t matter if there’s intent.
“The referee hasn’t got any avenue. He has got to red card that challenge.
“It looks awful, it really does. Turnbull has endangered his opponent and he had to be sent off.
“Intent is not part of the law. I know what Postecoglou means, and I’m not being clever – but he endangered the player.”
Celtic remain nine points clear atop the Scottish Premiership.
They face an Old Firm showdown with second-place Rangers on 2 January.
In other news, pundit hails Reo Hatate’s Celtic “sacrifice” as footage emerges.