Celtic reclaimed the top of the Scottish Premiership table on goal difference following a hard-fought 2-0 win over Kilmarnock.
The match at Rugby Park wasn’t without its tense moments, as the home side made Brendan Rodgers’ side battle for all three points. Despite an assertive display from Kilmarnock, who had 18 shots and forced Kasper Schmeichel into six saves, Celtic found the breakthrough they needed.
The game’s first goal came with a slice of fortune as Callum McGregor’s cross to Adam Idah found the back of the net. Celtic’s captain opened the scoring, relieving pressure after a spell of resistance from the home side. Later, Nicolas Kuhn sealed the result with a brilliant solo effort.
However, Reo Hatate has created a talking point after the game.
The midfielder was shown a yellow card for a challenge on a Kilmarnock player that could have warranted a harsher punishment. The incident was reviewed by VAR, but officials ultimately decided that the tackle lacked the force required for a red card.
Pundit Chris Sutton weighed in on the incident, live on Sky Sports, stating, “Well, you see where he catches him, it’s halfway up the shin. He’ll count himself lucky there, Reo Hatate.”
Celtic fans will breathe a sigh of relief as their team came through a tough test unscathed, but the debate over Hatate’s challenge will likely linger. Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers will be pleased with the three points.
Kris Boyd says red card all day what makes it not donelly theacts hiata was looking at the ball what about donelly challenge on smichelles he us lucky not connected with his elbow then idah got a deliberate elbow this pitch is non football and you can’t judge any player on that pitch Kilmarnock played tennis Celtic tried to pass but on this pitch ball just won’t move always behind then they only but of class was khun goal how a player can controlled a first touch on this pitch class or luck I’d say both
Hope we don’t have to play at rughby pitch again it anti football kilmarnock just kept it high and challenge for second ball McGregor hiata and angils was bye past but class told what a first touch to set up his goal no way players struggle all day with the pitch touch and passing khun done both in his goal Celtic looked tired but there passing was nullified by that pitch so had to go to plan d