Debate has continued over Alistair Johnston’s first-half challenge on Ibrox winger Mikey Moore during Celtic’s 3-1 victory at Celtic Park.
The Celtic defender was booked after sliding into Moore in a tackle that immediately divided opinion among pundits during the latest Glasgow Derby encounter.
Sky Sports pundits Kris Boyd and James McFadden both suggested Johnston may have been fortunate to remain on the pitch, with discussion around whether the incident warranted a red card.
Conroy and Roache believe Johnston should have been shown red
Former SPFL referees Steve Conroy and Des Roache were also critical of the officiating team, arguing that both referee Nick Walsh and the VAR officials failed to take the appropriate action.
Posting on their X account, ‘The Refs View’, they wrote: “Red card, VAR has angles straight away. Staggering this was missed.”
Sutton and Clattenburg believe yellow card was correct
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton defended the decision during co-commentary, insisting a caution was sufficient punishment, while ex-Premier League official Mark Clattenburg shared a similar assessment.
“Alistair Johnston of Celtic committed a heavy tackle on Mikey Moore of Rangers which some people will say it’s a red card,” Clattenburg said via Glasgow Times. “I believe the decision to award a yellow card is correct as Johnston is reckless in the challenge.
“When you slow the challenge down the studs and foot come in front of Moore and not direct to the leg which creates a tripping action and not a challenge which could have endangered the safety of his opponent.”
Celtic’s comeback victory, secured through goals from Yang Hyun-jun and a Daizen Maeda double after Moore’s opener, leaves the title race finely poised heading into the final week of the season.
The Hoops now sit just one point behind leaders Hearts, while theRangers’ defeat officially ends their hopes for another season of winning the title.
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