Martin O’Neill has been managing football long enough to know when the officials have got it wrong. After Celtic’s 2-1 defeat to Hibs, the 73 year old was measured but clearly fuming about a penalty that never was.
Liam Scales had his shirt grabbed by Jack Iredale at a corner, moments after Auston Trusty’s red card had reduced Celtic to ten men. Referee Matthew MacDermid waved play on. VAR official Grant Irvine took a lengthy look and decided it was not worth reviewing.
O’Neill said: “The referee’s words were he didn’t hold on to him long enough, but it seems a wee bit strange. He’s grabbing someone’s shirt as he’s making a move to get the ball. Some years ago it was a penalty.”
On the Trusty red card, O’Neill acknowledged there was little room for appeal. “The referee has explained to me that’s what VAR said. It was violent conduct, so I don’t think anyone will change their minds.”
On loan Brentford defender Benjamin Arthur came on for his debut following the dismissal and could now start at Ibrox next Sunday if the red card stands.
Hibs boss David Gray was understandably delighted, calling it a “complete performance” that ended a 16 year wait for victory at Celtic Park. “You have to truly believe you can do it,” Gray said.
I have watched O’Neill manage since his first stint at Celtic Park over two decades ago. The fire in the belly is still there, but this title challenge is slipping away from him. Six points behind Hearts with a game in hand is not terminal, but it is close.