Celtic fans were split down the middle over Nir Bitton’s Ibrox red card but there seemed no doubting from Bobby Madden as he raced for his red card.
In the 62nd minute the Israeli got on the wrong side of Alfredo Morelos and decided to wrestle the striker to the ground. The incident happened wide of the 18 yard box with Kris Ajer ready to apply pressure on Morelos if he had broken free.
It was a 50-50 call over whether or not it was a red card. Bitton was foolish but the claim that ‘he gave the referee a decision to make’ doesn’t wash. Referees are paid to make decisions throughout the match, applying the Laws of the Game.
Madden had shown his generous side in the third minute when Morelos wasn’t shown a card for raking his studs down Jeremie Frimpong’s ankle. A yellow or red card at that stage would have changed the game.
Celtic’s wasted £35m spend over the last 18 months left Lennon short of options in central defence when Chris Jullien picked up his injury.
At home when you have 70% of possession Bitton is an asset bringing the ball out from the back. In a tense game where decision making is critical he can be a liability.
“It’s a ridiculous challenge – he knows exactly what he’s doing!”
Celtic are down to 10-men as Nir Bitton is given a straight red card for this challenge! ?
Watch live on Sky Sports Football! pic.twitter.com/uI19lU0DoE
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 2, 2021
62′ – Red card.
Bitton is sent off for a foul on Morelos.
?0?-0??#RANCEL
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 2, 2021
Absolutely. Totally agree, the rule is a goal scoring opportunity. 30 yards wide and Ajer in the middle. Never a red for that mob. Especially with brother madden reffing.
— Ped (@PEDN341) January 2, 2021
If it was Morelos he would not have been booked gets away with everything.
— Callum oates (@Callumoates4) January 2, 2021
What an absolutely ridiculous challenge, that’s the game gone now.
— Kieran Northcote (@KieranN1998) January 2, 2021
Red card, red card, red card… they couldn’t wait. Goal scoring opportunity on the right wing with Ajer covering ????? #fuckoff
— Mark Murphy ?? (@Markyjig) January 2, 2021
Should not have been red.
Confirms this ref’s bias!! It’s so blatant!
Scottish refs need investigated!!— ??? ????? (@DanAshby04) January 2, 2021
Just no need for Bitton to do that. Morelos never gonna score from there. We need to spend the rest of the season rebuilding starting with a new manager
— Alex (@Alex34508356) January 2, 2021
Bombscare every time he plays, get out my club
— matt (@matthew__1888) January 2, 2021
Wasn’t a red but these things happen when you play a midfielder as a centre back. Wouldnt have taken Griffiths off either
— Dildo Shwaggins (@CptBaconBaps) January 2, 2021