The Scott Brown red card picked up against Kilmarnock today has been labelled “unfortunate” by Brendan Rodgers.
The Celtic manager was disappointed with the incident that saw his captain sent off. Celtic had just opened the scoring through Brown’s deflected effort at Rugby Park. Then, as Brown celebrated with supporters, he was sent off by Bobby Madden after receiving his second yellow card.
On a day when only the result mattered, it was a red worth taking. Celtic were struggling to break Killie down, and the game looked destined to end goalless.
But manager Rodgers has told the BBC (18:31) that he believes the rules for celebrating spoil the game.
“It is one thing that spoils the game now. It is so emotional when you score so late on, and it was a very important win.
“I suppose it is in the rules, but I feel for any player that gets sent off for celebrating. We all want to see that passion in the game.”
Points matter most on dramatic day
Brown’s effort may have been fortunate and his red unfortunate, but the points are all that matters.
Celtic were battering the door down in Ayrshire during the final 10 minutes. They had to overcome a typically resistant Steve Clarke defence, and looked destined to drop two more points on the road.
But the captain stepped up to save the day when Celtic needed a hero. Picking up a knockdown from Dedryck Boyata, Brown lashed a strike that was heading way over the bar. Yet, a deflection from an outstretched arm ensured it spun into the net and gave the Hoops the points.
The old argument of being booked for celebrating will come up once again, and rightfully so. Brown didn’t even go up to the supporters and into the stands. Instead, it was the fans who came darting on to the pitch. In reality, there’s not much Brown could’ve done.
Rodgers is spot on to slam the idea players should be booked for it. But, no matter how many call for its change, it seems a rule that’s unfortunately here to stay.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
