Tony Docherty’s Verdict After Defeat to ‘Fantastic’ Celtic, Addresses Kyogo Penalty Call

Tony Docherty’s Verdict After Defeat to ‘Fantastic’ Celtic, Addresses Kyogo Penalty Call

Dundee manager Tony Docherty gave his verdict following his team’s tough defeat to Celtic, praising the Scottish champions as a “fantastic” team but expressing frustration over a controversial penalty decision involving Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi.

 

Celtic delivered a commanding performance, showcasing their quality in front of a packed home crowd. Docherty acknowledged the strength of his opponents, saying, “Celtic are a fantastic side, and we knew we’d have a real battle on our hands today. They’ve got quality all over the pitch, and they showed that.”

 

However, Docherty voiced concerns over a crucial penalty call that went against his side. Early in the second half, Kyogo was brought down in the box, leading to a penalty that proved to be a pivotal moment in the game. “From where I was standing, it looked like a soft decision. Our players felt there was minimal contact, and that can be frustrating in a game of this intensity,” Docherty remarked.

 

He added, “In games like these, decisions like that make a huge impact. We wanted to keep things tight and frustrate them, and for large parts of the game, I felt we did. But moments like those shift the momentum.”

 

While Dundee put in a solid defensive display, Docherty was quick to recognize that Celtic’s quality ultimately made the difference. “You can see why they’re champions. Their movement, passing, and tempo are at a different level,” he said.

 

Docherty remained upbeat about Dundee’s performance, emphasizing the progress his team is making and the need to learn from challenging games like this. “We’ll regroup, look at what we can improve, and be ready for the next one. It’s games like these that test us and help us grow as a squad.”

 

Despite the defeat, Docherty highlighted the resilience and organization his team displayed against one of the league’s top sides, affirming his belief that Dundee can build on this experience going forward.

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