Sport Nation 2Celtic’s match against Ross County ended in a 2-1 victory, but it wasn’t without controversy as Nicolas Kuhn, Celtic’s match-winner, escaped a potential red card after dodging two yellow-card-worthy offenses. The game sparked discussions about refereeing decisions and whether officials were lenient in enforcing the rules during the match.
Ross County initially took the lead just before halftime with a penalty from Ronan Hale. The penalty was awarded after VAR confirmed a handball by Celtic’s Liam Scales, and although goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel saved Hale’s first attempt, it had to be retaken due to Schmeichel moving off his line. Hale converted the second attempt, putting Ross County ahead 1-0 at the break.
Celtic responded in the second half, and Alistair Johnston’s deflected shot found the back of the net to level the score at 1-1. However, the game’s most talked-about moment came when Nicolas Kuhn struck a late goal, just three minutes before full time, to secure a 2-1 victory for Celtic. Kuhn’s goal sent the away fans into a frenzy, but it also raised questions about his conduct during the game.
Earlier in the second half, Kuhn was involved in an off-the-ball altercation with Ross County captain Connor Randall. The clash, which left Randall on the ground, was reviewed by VAR for a possible red card, but referee Kevin Clancy decided to issue only a yellow card to Kuhn. Despite this, Kuhn claimed post-match that he was unaware he had even been booked during the incident. “I didn’t even know that I got the booking. I don’t even know for what, I don’t think I did something,” Kuhn said in an interview.
The controversy didn’t end there. After scoring the match-winner, Kuhn ran into the crowd to celebrate with Celtic fans, an action that typically warrants a second yellow card. However, the referee chose not to penalize Kuhn for the celebration. This decision caused confusion and led Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd to question the officials’ handling of the situation.
Boyd highlighted the inconsistency in refereeing, referencing previous instances where players were penalized for running into the crowd. “The rules must have changed because I thought you got booked if you run into the crowd,” Boyd quipped during his analysis of the game. His criticism centered on the fact that, had the rules been applied as expected, Kuhn could have received a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal from the match.
Boyd’s fellow pundit, James McFadden, attempted to defend the decision by arguing that the distance Kuhn ran into the crowd was minimal, making it difficult to justify a yellow card. “If you’re nit-picking, we’ve seen players yellow carded for going and celebrating. But what is it, three yards or four yards? It’s very difficult if your momentum is taking you that way not to go and celebrate,” McFadden stated.
Despite the controversy, Celtic held on to their 2-1 lead, a result that keeps them at the top of the Scottish Premiership table. The win puts them five points clear of Rangers and three points ahead of co-leaders Aberdeen, both of whom were set to play later in the day. The victory is a significant boost for Brendan Rodgers and his team as they aim to extend their lead in the title race.
Celtic’s ability to grind out a win in a closely contested match against a resilient Ross County side showcased their determination and fighting spirit. Ross County had defended well throughout the game, limiting Celtic’s chances, but ultimately, they were unable to hold off the relentless pressure from the Glasgow giants.
In addition to the focus on refereeing decisions, Celtic’s performance on the pitch drew praise, particularly for the manner in which they responded to going a goal down. Alistair Johnston’s equalizer, though deflected, was a key moment that shifted the momentum in Celtic’s favor. The Canadian defender has become a vital part of Celtic’s setup, contributing both defensively and offensively.
As the post-match analysis continued, Kris Boyd’s comments about the officiating remained a key talking point. Boyd emphasized the importance of consistency in applying the rules, especially when it comes to yellow cards for goal celebrations. His remarks resonate with fans and pundits alike who expect fair and consistent enforcement of the laws of the game.
Overall, the match was a hard-fought contest, with Celtic emerging victorious thanks to a late goal from Nicolas Kuhn. While the result is crucial for Celtic’s title hopes, the controversies surrounding refereeing decisions will likely linger in discussions about the match. As the Scottish Premiership season progresses, the spotlight will remain on how officials handle key moments in high-stakes games, with teams and fans alike calling for greater clarity and consistency.
Sport nation
Amina Umar