Former referees Steve Conroy and Des Roache have told Alistair Johnston he should have seen red in Celtic’s win over Ross County.
And Roache claims the perceived “dark arts” by the defender are going to be picked up by match officials going forward after the flashpoint at Dingwall. The Canadian international bundled County sub Kieran Phillips over on the goal-line to concede a penalty in the second half as Matthew McDermid pointed to the spot – but would not dish out a card to the Celtic man.
Jordan White would step up to the spot to give the Staggies a lifeline in the clash before Brendan Rodgers’ side ran out 4-1 winners – but both Conroy and Roache reckon that the Scottish Premiership leaders should have been down to 10 men. Conroy told The Ref’s View podcast: “It was given for the shove on him, but the shove constituted denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
“You can’t get much more opportunity than being unopposed directly in front of goal. So, for me it was a clear penalty and a clear red card. I don’t think you could argue otherwise.”
Roache added: “It’s 100 per cent a penalty and a red card. I have no idea why it wasn’t given, because he is right in front of goal – if you are going to deny a blatant goalscoring opportunity that is as blatant as you will come across. Ihave no idea what is going through his (Matthew McDermid) head. But also, that is why VAR is there because it’s a clear and obvious error so VAR should be picking that one up if Matthew McDermid has missed it. I have got no explanation. It’s a clear shove, push – whatever you want – on the back of him.”
He also warned the Hoops’ star: “Alistair Johnston is starting to make a name for himself with the dark arts that he is getting away with. I think now that people like us are talking about it will be highlighted a bit more, not that you go out to target a player but I think it’s become more obvious that this is part of the game that he plays.”
Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football.