Celtic’s commanding 6-0 victory over Aberdeen in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden showcased their dominance, sending a clear message to their opponents and the rest of the league. However, a controversial refereeing decision has sparked debate among fans. Referee Kevin Clancy issued a yellow card to Celtic captain Callum McGregor just minutes into the game for what many believed was a minor challenge, far from warranting a booking.
The match had already started on an unusual note, with smoke from pre-game pyrotechnics causing a brief delay due to limited visibility. Once underway, Celtic took control immediately. Cameron Carter-Vickers opened the scoring, followed by goals from Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda, leaving Celtic comfortably ahead 3-0 by halftime. Maeda went on to complete a hat-trick, and Nicolas Kühn added another goal in the second half, securing Celtic’s spot in the final.
Despite the emphatic scoreline, Clancy’s yellow card for McGregor was a hard pill to swallow for fans and commentators alike. Michael Stewart, calling the game, questioned the decision, calling it “never” a yellow card. The early booking forced McGregor to tread carefully, restricting his aggressive midfield role and reducing his ability to break up play as effectively as usual.
While some may argue that the incident had little effect on the outcome, fans feel it underscores a larger issue with officiating consistency in Scottish football. McGregor’s role is central to Celtic’s game plan, and a questionable early booking like this one can limit a key player’s ability to influence the match, even if the team dominates.
For Celtic supporters, reaching the final is a cause for celebration, but Clancy’s decision remains a stark reminder of the frustrations with inconsistent officiating. Fans hope such incidents are reviewed to ensure experienced referees maintain the standards expected at this level, allowing games to be decided by the players on the pitch, not controversial calls.
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