Anthony Ralston has provided an update after a bruising afternoon at Hampden, one that saw him on the receiving end of Thelo Aasgaard’s red-card challenge and later at the centre of Rangers’ controversial penalty in Celtic’s 3–1 extra-time win.
The full-back was left in a heap midway through the first half after Aasgaard’s dangerous, high tackle caught him on the thigh, a challenge that led to the Rangers midfielder being shown a straight red card by referee Nick Walsh.
Despite the nasty collision, Ralston played on and delivered another tireless shift on the right flank as Celtic booked their place in the Premier Sports Cup final, where they’ll face St Mirren on December 14.
Speaking post-match, the defender admitted he git lucky that contact was only made to his thigh.
“The leg is okay, it’s fine. Luckily just the leg he caught me on,” Ralston said to Sam North.
The Celtic academy graduate also addressed the penalty incident that allowed James Tavernier to level the match late in normal time. VAR judged that Ralston had handled the ball inside the box as he fell to block a shot.
“The penalty situation isn’t something for me to comment on,” Ralston said. “I think it’s harsh from what I’m getting told from my colleagues and fellow staff. It’s harsh. I had my hands close to my chest and I was falling.”
Despite all the drama, Celtic emerged victorious, despite needing an extra 30 minutes to do it in.
Callum McGregor started off extra-time with a thunderous strike, before Callum Osmand doubled Celtic’s lead with his first Celtic goal.
