Exclusive: Kasper Schmeichel ‘could be in trouble’ after Celtic referee incident
Kasper Schmeichel is facing possible punishment for his reaction after Celtic beat Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the intervention of manager Brendan Rodgers may not be enough to save his goalkeeper following a post-match incident.
The Scottish champions made it through to the fifth round of the Scottish Cup with a 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Saturday (18 January).
Celtic though were far from happy with the nature of the goal they conceded in that match, which believes could now lead to trouble for their goalkeeper.
Kasper Schmeichel airs grievances with referees after Celtic anger – Keith Hackett
After the hosts had taken an early lead, Kilmarnock equalised in first-half stoppage time, when a cross from the left deflected off the hand of Robbies Deas inside the home side’s penalty area.
The ball then fell into the path of the in-demand Bobby Wales, who fired past Schmeichel in the Celtic goal to make it 1-1, with the goal being confirmed by VAR.
Although Daizen Maeda would go onto to score a second-half winner for his side, Schmeichel was seemingly still not happy with that incident.
After the game had finished, the goalkeeper was seen remonstrating strongly on the pitch with referee Nick Walsh.
Although he was ushered away by Rodgers, Hackett believes the Celtic goalkeeper could still find himself facing scrutiny by the Scottish FA for his actions.
Speaking to Football Insider about the incident, the former referee said:
“The manager of the team can speak to the referee post-match, and clarify any decision that’s going on. I think well done to Brendan Rodgers for taking his player out of the equation.
“But I think the chances are that Schmeichel – who has a record of this, he’s vociferous and passionate and that comes with it, you can’t confront the referee in that manner at the end of the match.
“Therefore a lot will depend on the referee reporting the incident. I think it’s interesting because what you have to understand here is that the referee is still in communication with the VAR, he’s still in communication with the fourth official, therefore there is always the potential on record of what he’s actually said.
“In these situations, if he’s concerned about something the ideal situation is to try and discuss that away from the pitch. But by the very nature of the manager leading him away it patently paints a picture of aggression towards the referee.
“It’s interesting isn’t it because at some point the referee’s talking in his microphone, so for me I think that it’s likely, and a lot depends on the referee’s report, but I suspect that Schmeichel could be in trouble.
“I think it’s down to what the referee puts in his report, how or what has Schmeichel said, but players can’t confront the referee on the field of play in that manner. And remember it’s near the halfway line, he’s run from his goal, one suspects he’s run in the opposite direction from players leaving the field of play.
“So there’s sufficient evidence from the Scottish FA’s point of view for Schmeichel to be charged but a lot depends on the referee’s report.”
Having joined Celtic last summer to replace the outgoing Joe Hart, Schmeichel has established himself as first choice between the posts for Rodgers’ side.
They are next in action on Wednesday night (22 January) in a crucial clash with Swiss side Young Boys in the Champions League.
In other news, Celtic have been told what they must do to sign Louie Barry from Aston Villa.
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