Celtic lost 1-0 to Aberdeen in the Reserve Cup at Cappielow in a match dominated and ruined by referee Craig King.
Showing the same contempt for the players and lack of understanding for the game that has created a lucrative career for officials like Willie Collum and Steven McLean both sets of players were left wondering what Craig would come up with next.
Kundai Benyu was sent off before half time for kicking out at an opponent but in comparison to high profile SPFL incidents that have gone unpunished this season the decision looked harsh.
Two Dons defenders attempted brutal challenges on Celtic players but escaped with just a booking while the only goal of the game came from the softest of penalties.
Aberdeen dominated the first 20 minutes but apart from an incredible seventh minute scramble in which the ball was cleared off the Celtic goal line three times there were no real scares.
Gradually Celtic managed to play their way into the match with Johnston having the ball in the net after 20 minutes the linesman had his flag up even though the winger appeared to time his run perfectly to meet a Ewan Henderson pass.
Just past the half hour mark Dons skipper Dean Campbell attempted a ‘Scott McKenna’ on Johnston but the winger saw it coming and escaped down the flank with Campbell lucky to escape with just a booking.
Soon after Benyu was booked for a run of the mill foul, just before half time he aimed a foolish kick at Connor McLennan with referee Craig King happy to show a red card. Going on that incident it seems that the confusion at the SFA has been cleared up following the incidents involving Alfredo Morelos, Steven Naismith and Allan McGregor (twice.)
Celtic were coping well despite being a man down with the erratic decisions of King a bigger concern with Jordan McGregor only booked for a failed rugby challenge on Armstrong Oko-Flex.
Things got worse with the man in black as he awarded a penalty to the Dons after a striker backed into Robbie Deas with Anderson converting from 12 yards out.
Celtic gave as good as they got as they chased an equaliser but some cynical fouls from the visitors led to a procession of bookings but there was to be no further scoring.
CELTIC: Mullan; Ralston, Welsh Deas (Savou,y) Church; McInroy, Benyu; Johnston, Henderson, Arzani (Coffey70); Oko-Flex
