Devante Cole has escaped any further action for his attack on Ismaila Soro during Motherwell’s 2-1 defeat from Celtic on Saturday.
The Motherwell striker was booked for the incident but as they demonstrated with Kemar Roofe the SFA can upgrade a booking to a red card offence.
While BBC Scotland chose to ignore the incident it was highlighted across Social Media although Neil Lennon didn’t comment on it after the match.
Be interested to see the media attention this brings.
Celtic player kicks out like that, certain quarters would want jailed! pic.twitter.com/HwTYQ4DvJW
— COYBIG (@C_O_Y_B_I_G) February 6, 2021
After losing out in a challenge from Soro, Cole was falling to the deck when he reached out and back heeled Soro in the stomach.
This afternoon The Sun reports:
MOTHERWELL’s Devante Cole has escaped any further action after kicking out at Celtic star Ismaila Soro. The Fir Park star caught the Ivorian with his studs in the midriff in the closing stages of Saturday’s Premiership match, which ended 2-1 in the Hoops’ favour.
Referee Nick Walsh chose only to book the Motherwell player for the incident although English Premier League whistler Mark Halsey – who reviewed the incident – reckons it was “absolutely clear” he should’ve been sent off.
He felt Cole – who has scored four goals in his last six games – should face retrospective action from the SFA disciplinary panel, but both Walsh and his assistant were on the spot and saw the incident in its entirety – so the matter doesn’t go any further.
It seems incredible that the SFA feel that the right punishment was given for kicking an opponent in the stomach. While Cole has escaped any retrospective punishment, Albian Ajeti is due in front of the SFA this afternoon to answer a charge of simulation.
The incident came in last week’s 4-0 win away to Kilmarnock when he was fouled by home goalkeeper Colin Doyle with referee Kevin Clancy awarding a penalty.
