Ex-Fifa referee issues ‘reckless’ verdict as controversial Ideguchi footage emerges from Celtic
Keith Hackett has insisted the referee made the right decision to not send off Alloa Athletic’s Mouhamed Niang during their 2-1 loss to Celtic in the Scottish Cup on Saturday (22 January).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed Niang’s challenge on Yosuke Ideguchi was “reckless” but did not fulfil the criteria of a red card.
On the hour mark, the 22-year-old challenged Ideguchi for a loose ball and appeared to catch his ankle.
The Celtic man had to be substituted because of an injury and Ange Postecoglou was not happy with the challenge.
He told club media after the game it was a “terrible” challenge and it had left his player “pretty painful”.
Ideguchi was not the only player who had to be replaced due to injury with Callum McGregor and Liel Abada both being unable to see out the 90 minutes.
Alloa boss Barry Ferguson told the Daily Record yesterday (24 January) he was “angry” at suggestions his side had gone out to hurt their opponents.
“This is one that is right around the ankle,” Hackett said after analysing the footage of the challenge on Ideguchi with Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.
“I think it was reckless rather than fulfilling the requirement of a red card. It fulfils the requirement of a yellow card rather than a red.
“I worry about the look on his face though ‘What? Me, ref?’
“It’s reckless but it’s not a red, I agree with the referee’s decision. I thought he handled that well.”
Celtic’s win has set up a fifth-round tie with Raith Rovers.
The Championship outfit will visit Parkhead in the week of February 12/13.
In other news, a medical expert has revealed a Celtic star is likely to undergo surgery and could be out for ‘eight weeks‘.