Ex referee responds to Celtic sending off shout vs Rangers amid claims it's a 'red card all day long'
The former referee has reacted to a controversial talking point stemming out of Celtic vs Rangers.
A former Premier League referee has provided his verdict on a red card claim during Celtic vs Rangers.
Ibrox hero Kris Boyd and the Sky Sports punditry panel though Alistair Johnston was fortunate to avoid a sending off for a tackle on Rangers winger Mikey Moore. The right-back committed to a late tackle against the on-loan Tottenham man with referee Nick Walsh brandishing a yellow card. VAR did not call him over to the monitor for a second look and that has sparked a level of debate.
Ex Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has assessed the situation surrounding Johnston. He reckons the award of a caution is correct, as while it did land in the ‘reckless’ category, it did not endanger the safety of his opponent.
Should Alistair Johnston have been sent off vs Rangers?
Clattenburg told GRV Media: “Alistair Johnston of Celtic committed a heavy tackle on Mikey Moore of Rangers which some people will say it’s a red card. 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.”
When shown the reverse angle and asked whether or not it looked like a sending off for the Canadian international, O’Neill responded: “Oh, 100%, when you see it like that yes 100% when you see it like that. That’s the first time I’ve seen it, but when you see it like that there, I mean he hits him above the ankle, you can quite clearly see it there. That’s a red card all day long.”
Pundit on Alistair Johnston sending off claim vs Rangers
Scotland hero James McFadden and was also on the panel, saying: “I must admit, when I saw the foul at real speed, I thought it was a good challenge. But now, I think he’s very fortunate, Alistair Johnston.”
Ex Celtic boss Neil Lennon said ‘me too’ when it came to McFadden’s assessment. O’Neill said on Sportsound of the match: "It was a big win for us and I thought we were terrific in the second half, coming from behind against big rivals. I couldn't be more delighted with the team and certain individuals were magnificent. The captain was magnificent and Daizen [Maeda] has pulled it through again. Rangers came to play and did well, but it was the manner we fought back."
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