Colby Donovan has been told he should have been sent off for a high challenge during Celtic’s 2-2 draw with Dundee United.
The Scottish champions had fallen behind to Jim Goodwin’s side after Zac Sapsford’s header cancelled out Camilo Duran’s opener in Glasgow’s east end. Neil Farrugia then saw his effort find the net after Liam Scales was unable to clear the ball on the line.
Things could have gone from bad to worse for Celtic when young right-back Donovan flew into a challenge on goalscorer Sapsford. The 20-year-old put in a heavy tackle on the Australian, with referee Steven McLean initially issuing a yellow card for the lunge.
The flashpoint was subject to a VAR check by Chris Graham and the team at Clydesdale House, but the man in the middle was given the green light to stick with his on-field decision.
Scales would go on to level the game and help keep the Hoops four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, but Celtic legend Pat Bonner believes the punishment could have been worse for Donovan.
He told BBC Sportsound: “I think it’s a big moment. I am glad the player is up and walking about, you don’t want to see anybody getting injured. That looked like he was late, and it looked high for me.”
However, former Parkhead defender Peter Grant believes the VAR check showed that no contact had been made on Sapsford, which led to Donovan only being issued with the booking.
He told Celtic TV: “His legs went through his legs. When I saw it, I was concerned, but the replay shows that he has got a bit of luck. Fair play to the referee, he made the right call.”
The incident proved to be a significant talking point after a match that saw Celtic twice pegged back by their visitors. Duran had given the hosts an early lead before Sapsford’s header brought Dundee United level. Farrugia then put the visitors ahead after Scales failed to clear, only for the defender to make amends at the other end by salvaging a point.
The draw keeps Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, four points clear of their nearest challengers. But the performance raised questions about the champions’ defensive solidity, and Donovan’s challenge added to a testing afternoon for the home side.
Bonner’s assessment suggests the young full-back may have escaped a more severe punishment, while Grant’s view offers a measure of reassurance that the officials reached the correct conclusion after reviewing the footage. Either way, the incident will give Celtic’s coaching staff something to reflect on as they prepare for their next fixture.
Donovan, still only 20, will be relieved to have avoided a dismissal that could have altered the course of the match. Instead, he can focus on continuing his development in a Celtic side that remains firmly in control of the title race despite this latest stumble.