The picture that clamps Billy Dodds’ hysterical reaction to Celtic defender Auston Trusty controversy

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The furore surrounding Celtic defender Auston Trusty and Rangers goalkeeper has dominated the headlines of the Premier Sports Cup semi-final showdown.

Celtic powered to a win over Rangers in extra time as Martin O’Neill booked another Hampden date for the cup final in December.

However, it’s VAR and refereeing decisions that are hogging the limelight and, in particular, Auston Trusty’s challenge on Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland.

And as the pundits and ex-players appear to lose all sense of reality, there is a picture out there that clamps Billy Dodds’ outlandish reaction to the tackle.

• READ MORE: Martin O’Neill explains why he is in London the day after Celtic beat Rangers at Hampden

Billy Dodds’ hysterical ‘rakes his studs’ comment about Auston Trusty is simply untrue

Billy Dodds was on BBC commentary duty when he was asked his opinion on the challenge by the Celtic defender.

Dodds said on BBC Sport Scotland, “It was so intentional by Trusty. He just rakes his studs across Butland’s face.

“That would have really levelled up the game if he had been sent off and you wonder what might have happened.

“Then there was Ralston hand ball. It was intentional that he threw himself to block the ball.

“It should be a second yellow. I don’t think [referee] Nick Walsh covered himself in glory.”

Dodds certainly hasn’t covered himself in glory and there is a picture of Jack Butland that shows why.

Jack Butland’s unmarked face after Dodds’ daft Celtic defender comment

At full time, the Rangers players were all photographed leaving the Hampden pitch after the defeat to Celtic. As was Butland.

And the photo below blows Dodds’ ‘raked studs’ comment right out of the water.

There is not a single mark on the goalkeeper’s face. Not one. Not a scrape, not a scratch. If Trusty had indeed ‘raked his studs’ on Butland’s face there would be plenty to see.

Just look at the state Anthony Ralston’s thigh was in after Thelo Aasgaard’s ridiculous challenge.

While no one is disputing that Trusty was daft, hyperbolic statements like this from a professional ex-player only feeds into the hype and paranoia that is emanating from the south side of Glasgow and it helps no one.

Especially the under-pressure match officials.