Odsonne Edouard is under attack from the Daily Record while they overdose on an incredible 8-0 win over Hamilton Accies.
While everything in the Ibrox garden carries a rosy glow the knifes are out on Edouard who is back on international duty with the French u-21 squad this week.
Four goals from six SPFL matches (including two as a substitute) isn’t too bad a return, especially in comparison to Colombian ace Alfredo Morelos who has scored three times in 10 appearances with just one of them as a substitute.
One critical aspect in Edouard’s form and stats that the Record cover is the positive test he returned on international duty. The big omission is getting kicked off the park against Dundee United in August under the watchful eye of Andrew Dallas.
That big Connolly would have to go on a rampage with a sawn off shotgun before Andrew Dallas would book him. There were 4 or 5 fouls in the first half alone. Couple of them from behind. Scandalous refereeing & can be expected throughout this season. #JustLikeHisDa
— Swavente Del Bosquav (@Swavinho) August 22, 2020
The toll of three years without any form of protection from Scottish referees naturally makes Edouard cautious.
Elsewhere he could go on a dribble, show his close control and create an opening. In Scotland a bruiser like Mark Connolly can wipe him out knowing he’ll get a gentle ticking off from the match referee and the OK to repeat and repeat.
This season Ryan Christie, Albian Ajeti and Jeremie Frimpong have been on the receiving end of brutal attacks in the SPFL. Craig Sibbald and Devante Cole picked up yellow cards while Lewis Ferguson went unpunished.
Going through Celtic’s problems, Craig Swan of the Daily Record writes:
There’s barely been a player in the squad who hasn’t, at some point, had his credentials questioned. Some of it has been justified, some of it way over the top. Edouard, though, seems to have escaped any flak. When there’s a case to suggest he has underachieved more than any of those others who had the grief.
When he started with a hat-trick against Hamilton, it seemed business as usual. But next game he was anonymous with points dropped at Kilmarnock and he’s barely kicked a ball since. Two goals from open play in 13 appearances.
Has there been mitigating factors? Constant speculation around a potential transfer out of the club may have been a reason but it isn’t a good one. It was awful timing for Celtic that very next day after the window closed, the Frenchman was diagnosed with Covid-19. Even worse for boy himself.
He doesn’t deserve any flak for his performances since because none of us have any idea what this wretched virus takes out of anyone. But facts say he didn’t play when his team scored three in Aberdeen. He was on the bench during the first half in Lille when Celtic shone.
His presence may have spooked the Dons in the semi-final but his contribution was minimal. He wasn’t anywhere near it against Sparta Prague. Put back on the bench against Motherwell, Celtic were back on point.
Coincidence? Maybe. But it can’t be ignored his displays prior to his positive test were also miles off it. Even Lennon made reference to it following a lifeless display at St Johnstone where Griffiths and Klimala came off the bench to save it.
There is no follow up today on the brutal attack on Frimpong against Motherwell in full view of Andrew Dallas.
The former Manchester City player gets the same brutal treatment from opponents as Edouard with token at best protection from Scotland’s referees.
With those examples in mind young players at City and Paris Saint Germain are unlikely to be in a hurry to move to Scotland where it’s anything goes as their skills are kicked off the park with the likes of Dallas barely showing an interest in player welfare.
Was this one not a red card? Never saw the paper headlines or media hysteria over this tackle!! pic.twitter.com/LnaeKtTuXY
— Ian Scobie (@scoblerone10) September 20, 2020
