In some ways it was quite comical but there was a very serious side to Darren O’Dea’s unorthodox neck lock on Scott Sinclair.
The former Aston Villa man has certainly discovered some novel ways of being stopped since joining Celtic but most have usually involved boots.
Squaring up to O’Dea the Celtic winger quickly touched the ball to his left to get in behind the Dundee defence.
The Dens Park defender didn’t try to disguise his intentions as he wrapped his arms round Sinclair’s neck and brought the move to a halt.
WTF @odea_darren you trying out for a new career in WWE? pic.twitter.com/x9othXrFR7
— The Huddle ???? (@letsdothehuddle) March 19, 2017
With the erratic displays by Scottish referees anything is possible but surely such clear intent to foul has to result in a red card.
O’Dea wasn’t capable of a ‘traditional’ foul on Sinclair, bringing him down with his feet, reverting to a neck lock is a step too far.
If the punishment for that sort of foul is only a yellow card what other ways will be found to stop Sinclair in the coming weeks?
