Julian Araujo made his first start for Celtic against Dundee United on Saturday, and it was a lively one.
The Mexico international was Wilfried Nancy’s only signing before his sacking last Monday, as he arrived on a six-month loan deal from Bournemouth.
After 35 minutes, with Celtic cruising and beating Dundee United 2-0, thanks to goals from Hyunjun Yang and Arne Engels.
Araujo flew into a challenge on Will Ferry, as the on-field referee Nick Walsh deemed it a yellow card offence, but Chris Sutton thought otherwise.
Chris Sutton surprised by Julian Araujo red card call against Dundee United
Even with his Celtic hat on, Sutton admitted that Araujo was ‘so lucky’ to avoid getting a straight red card, as he told Sky Sports Football (11/01/26).
Sutton noted how Araujo also got sent off in his only game for Bournemouth this season. He was shown two yellow cards as the Cherries were beaten by Brentford in the League Cup in August.
But Sutton explained what Araujo did wrong against Dundee United that was worthy of him earning a straight red card.
I have got to say Araujo was so lucky with that,” admitted Sutton.
“I think it’s a red card. I don’t understand. It’s serious foul play. He is out of control. I think he got sent off in his only other game this season for Bournemouth. Celtic got fortunate with that one, most certainly.
Sutton hails ‘magic’ Martin O’Neill as Celtic return to winning ways
But the main topic of discussion from Celtic’s comfortable win over Dundee United was Martin O’Neill’s return to the dugout.
Sutton knows exactly what his former boss is like, as he labelled him as ‘magic Martin’, and how it’s the ‘worst possible news’ for Hearts and Rangers fans.
Yes, Celtic are behind in the title race, but the Hoops are champions for a reason, as Sutton saw many positives in these three points.
“Magic Martin back at Celtic Park,” said Sutton. “A clean sheet. Celtic going back to a back four. The worst possible news, if you are a Hearts fan or a Rangers fan, as Kris (Boyd) is.
“They absolutely wiped the floor with Dundee United. Engels playing in that eight role. Seems to have that confidence with Martin at the helm.
“The goals flowed. Nice balance to the team. Tounekti came back into the side, and he was a threat off that left-hand side.
“Nygren, Martin benched him, he came off, and another goal for him. His goals tally is brilliant.