Auston Trusty has been accused of openly simulating in an attempt to have Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti sent off during Celtic’s Scottish Cup quarter-final triumph at Ibrox.
That is the opinion of former FIFA and English Premier League referee Keith Hackett, who has labelled the defender’s behaviour as “disgraceful”.
Alongside Benjamin Arthur — and later Dane Murray — the US international delivered a solid performance at the centre of the Hoops defence as Martin O’Neill’s side overcame their rivals through a penalty shootout to secure a place in the semi-finals against St Mirren.
The encounter has also been overshadowed by disturbing scenes on the pitch after the match, when supporters from both clubs flooded onto the field and caused chaos inside the historic stadium.
However, Trusty — who earlier saw a handball appeal after Chermiti’s strike inside the Celtic penalty area dismissed by VAR in the opening stages — was also involved in an off-the-ball clash with the Portuguese forward shortly before the hour mark.
Trying to restart play quickly after Celtic were awarded a free kick by referee Don Robertson, Chermiti attempted to swipe the ball out of Trusty’s hands but failed to reach it and instead made contact with the defender’s leg.
Although replays suggested there was only slight contact, Trusty then fell to the ground before play soon continued following some pushing and shoving between players from both teams.
While analysing the match for Record Sport, former Premiership referee Des Roache supported the decision not to punish the Rangers striker, pointing out that Trusty had exaggerated the moment.
Hackett — who officiated major matches in the English top flight and at European Championships during his career — has now gone even further by criticising the Celtic defender.
“It’s excellent refereeing from Robertson, getting straight in at the beginning of a mass confrontation, with the assistant helping.
“There’s no overreaction. But these are the things happening in football that are frankly disgraceful. Let’s have a degree of respect for other players.
“No football fan wants to see this level of nonsense. In fairness to the player accused, he didn’t overreact. Some suddenly think that, if you think I’ve hit you, have one for real.”