“Kris Boyd was right afterall Celtic Cheats Always…” SFA Gives an ACCURATE VERDICT on Hatate’s Controversial Foul on Kilmarnock’s Liam Donnelly and Celtic fans Would find it Odd because….

Celtic Midfielder Reo Hatate’s Controversial Challenge Deemed Red-Card Worthy by SFA Panel

A recent review by the Scottish Football Association’s (SFA) Key Match Incident panel has concluded that Celtic’s Reo Hatate should have received a red card for his challenge on Kilmarnock’s Liam Donnelly.

The incident occurred during Celtic’s 2-0 victory at Rugby Park last Sunday, with Hatate being issued a yellow card by referee Nick Walsh. Despite a VAR review, the original decision stood.

The SFA panel, comprising five experts, engaged in a lengthy debate before rendering their verdict. The majority (3-2) believed VAR should have intervened, recommending a red card due to the challenge endangering Donnelly’s safety.

“The panel discussed this decision at length with the majority (3:2) deeming the on-field decision incorrect. The majority (3:2) believed that VAR should have intervened and recommended an OFR for a red card to be awarded as they believed that the challenge endangered the safety of the opponent. Two members of the panel highlighted that they didn’t think the potential foul was clear and obvious enough for VAR to get involved and a caution sufficed.”

Notably, former top referees Dermot Gallagher and Bobby Madden held differing opinions. Gallagher, on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, deemed the yellow card sufficient, while Madden believed VAR erred in not upgrading the punishment.

Celtic legend and Record Sport columnist Chris Sutton initially noted that Hatate had fortunate to escape a red card, while Kris Boyd vehemently criticized the officials post-match.

The decision has sparked debate, highlighting the complexities and nuances of VAR decision-making in Scottish football.

Key Points:

• Reo Hatate’s challenge on Liam Donnelly deemed red-card worthy by SFA panel.
• Majority (3-2) believed VAR should have intervened.
• Former referees Gallagher and Madden held differing opinions.
• Incident sparked debate on VAR decision-making in Scottish football.
• Celtic’s 2-0 win at Kilmarnock maintained their Premiership lead.