Ex-Premier League referee: Alexandro Bernabei may serve Celtic ban as controversial footage analysed
Celtic transfer target Alexandro Bernabei may have to serve a suspension when he completes a move to Parkhead, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted Bernabei’s actions when he received a red card when playing for Lanus were unacceptable.
A Celtic source told Football Insider last week (22 June) that the two clubs have agreed a £3.75million fee for the 21-year-old left-back.
It is understood he has been given permission to head to Glasgow to undergo a medical and sort out the finer details ahead of a move.
He was shown a red card in what could turn out to be his final game for Lanus for a headbutt as they beat CA Colon 1-0 earlier this month (19 June).
The Argentinian is serving a three-game suspension and missed his side’s loss to River Plate 2-1 on Sunday (26 June).
As per footballscotland last week (22 June), the Argentine Football Association could include his suspension in the International Transfer Certificate and the SFA will force him to serve the rest of it.
That would mean he misses Celtic’s opening two Scottish Premiership games with Aberdeen and Ross County.
“It’s a possibility,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“The ban can be carried over. I have no doubt the two associations, Argentina and Scotland will liaise with each other.
“You can’t do that. You can’t react in that way, obviously.”
Bernabei will provide cover and competition for Greg Taylor at Celtic if he completes a move.
Taylor is the club’s only senior left-back and Josip Juranovic was forced to switch sides in 2021-22 as a result.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has revealed Celtic could now rip up a contract as new details emerge.