Derek McInnes could be hit with SFA scrutiny after suggesting Celtic “don’t get red cards” in domestic football – with former Hoops midfielder Peter Grant strongly criticising the Hearts manager.
Discussion has intensified following Sunday’s dramatic 2-2 draw, with controversy surrounding whether Auston Trusty merited his dismissal late in the second half. The defender hauled down Pierre Landry Kabore and although referee Steven McLean initially ruled it was not a denial of a goalscoring opportunity, a yellow card was later upgraded to red after VAR official John Beaton advised an on-field review.
Celtic have reacted angrily and confirmed today they intend to challenge the decision, while Martin O’Neill also condemned it in his post-match reaction. However, it was McInnes’ remarks – implying referees in Scotland tend to go easy on the Hoops – that prompted a sharp response from Grant.
He said on Go Radio: “I thought Derek’s comments about Celtic not getting red cards were really poor.
I think that’s ridiculous. The SFA should look at that because that’s trying to put pressure on referees for me.
“I’d like Derek to say where Celtic should have got a red card any time this season.
“If he can point out incidents that he thinks Celtic have got away with fine, no problem. But I thought it was a ridiculous comment and it’s nothing to do with that game – it’s rubbish.”
Heading into the match, Celtic were one of three teams still to avoid a red card in league action this season, alongside Falkirk and Motherwell. That record stood despite several debated incidents, including Trusty’s alleged kick on Jack Butland and Julian Araujo’s “reckless” tackle against Dundee United.
Addressing the incident immediately after the game, McInnes said: “My take on it is, and I think what the fourth official said to me, is that they needed to be sure that Kabore would get a shot away.
My thought was, ‘he’s definitely going to get a shot away’. He broke the line.
“Celtic don’t get red cards domestically. It was a bit of a shock when VAR turned it and made it a red. But for me it looked like a red card offence.”