Celtic’s 6-0 victory against Aberdeen in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden was a lesson for Aberdeen and the rest of the league.
However, a perplexing refereeing decision has become a heated issue among fans during and after the game. Referee Kevin Clancy penalised Celtic captain Callum McGregor in the first few minutes for what many would claim was scarcely a foul, let alone deserving of a yellow card.
The semi-finals had already begun in an unusual manner, with smoke from pre-match pyrotechnics creating a lengthy delay due to low vision. However, as the action began, Celtic quickly asserted control. Cameron Carter-Vickers began the scoring, followed by goals from Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda, to give Celtic a 3-0 halftime advantage. In the second half, Maeda completed his hat-trick, and Nicolas Kühn also scored, securing Celtic’s overwhelming victory.
Regardless of the scoreline, McGregor’s yellow card incident was difficult to overlook. With few minutes remaining, Clancy’s decision to book the Celtic captain for a minor challenge drew criticism and frustration. Even analyst Michael Stewart questioned the call and expressed amazement, insisting it was ‘never’ a yellow card.
McGregor’s early booking prompted him to change his strategy for the rest of the game, which no club wants for a player with his influence in midfield. McGregor’s role entails breaking up opposing play and setting Celtic’s tempo, but Clancy’s decision essentially limited his ability to play with his typical boldness.
While some may argue that the booking was irrelevant considering Celtic’s dominance, many fans believe it is missing the point. Refereeing decisions like this require careful consideration, particularly when made by one of Scotland’s most experienced referees. A controversial booking that inhibits a team’s captain and midfield lynchpin should be looked seriously, regardless of the final result.
Celtic fans will be overjoyed to see their team in the final, but Clancy’s judgement serves as a clear reminder of the ongoing concerns with officiating consistency in Scottish football.
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