Celtic met Rangers in the Scottish League Cup semi-final and lived up to expectations in the Old Firm derby, receiving one red card and narrowly avoiding sending off for a player.
Celtic’s 3-1 victory over Rangers in the Scottish League Cup semi-final on Sunday was not without controversy, with one red card. The Hoops were tied 1-1 after 90 minutes at Hampden Park before securing victory in extra time.
Johnny Kenny put Celtic ahead in the first half before James Tavanier equalized from the penalty spot, sending the game into extra time. Celtic then won with goals from Callum McGregor and Callum Osmund to advance to the final.
Rangers remained with their backs to the wall for much of the game after Cerro Asgaard was sent off for a challenge on Anthony Ralston, forcing Danny Rolle’s side to finish the game with 10 men. This was also Martin O’Neill’s second game since taking over as manager of Celtic, replacing Brendan Rodgers.
read more: Celtic captain breaks his silence after Brendan Rodgers’ sending off and continues to chat for a long time behind closed doorsread more: Steven Gerrard breaks his silence on his decision to join Rangers, saying: ‘My heart was there’
Celtic could have had a player sent off himself after Auston Trusty collided with Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland. The former Stoke City shot-stopper went for the loose ball and took it with both hands before accidentally colliding with Trusty.
The Celtic defender accidentally grabbed Butland’s head with his boot and immediately raised his hands to apologize. Butland was able to continue playing after receiving treatment on the pitch, with referee Nick Walsh handing Trustee a yellow card, which was later confirmed by VAR.
Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon has given his verdict on the incident, explaining why he believes Trusty was “lucky” to remain on the pitch. “It could have been a red,” Lennon told Premier Sports.
“I think it’s completely unnecessary. Jack (Butland) always likes to get close to the ball. I think it’s completely unnecessary. VAR checked and he was lucky.”
Another former Celtic player and Premier Sports pundit Charlie Mulgrew agreed with Lennon in believing Trusty was “lucky” to avoid a red card.
“Trusty is really stupid. He’s really, really lucky,” Mulgrew said. “Asgord has his eye on the ball and Trusty is reacting by sticking his foot out. He’s very lucky.”
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