Aberdeen hit with big blow for Celtic Park that's left them absolutely seething

By David Walton

November 22, 2021

Aberdeen have been left furious with the controversy surrounding Funso Ojo, who will now be suspended for the Celtic Park trip next week after being sent off on Saturday.

Ojo was shoved by a Dundee United supporter as his momentum took him off the pitch. The Aberdeen player then reacted angrily and confronted the supporter without making physical contact.

Bobby Madden decided to give the player a second booking for his reaction at Tannadice, meaning he was sent for an early bath. It also means that Aberdeen can’t appeal the decision due to it being 2 yellows. Ojo will therefore definitely miss the game at Parkhead after starting 18 of Aberdeen’s last 20 matches.

The Dons have since released a statement, in which chairman Dave Cormack outlined his anger with the verdict from Madden:

“The Club are appalled at the events that unfolded yesterday afternoon and are fully supporting Funso who remains shaken by the entire incident. Such conduct from any supporter is wholly unacceptable and should not be tolerated in what, for a football player, is their place of work.

“Given the circumstances around the incident, the Club remains shocked at the decision to issue Funso with a second caution which led to his dismissal from the field of play. As it was Funso who was assaulted we sincerely hope that common sense will prevail and that the authorities will work with us to ensure that this injustice is addressed.”

Aberdeen appear determined to have Ojo available for Celtic Park

It seems at face value as if the Dons still harbour hopes of bringing Ojo to Celtic Park on Sunday. It’s difficult to see in what sense they’ll be able to overturn the decision.

It was a dismal look for refereeing standards in Scotland if truth be told. Ojo didn’t do anything overly poor. The power in which he was shoved by the supporter was always going to bring about a reaction from any player. You simply can’t expect players to just ignore that kind of assault.

It’s no surprise that Dundee United have opened up an investigation on the incident. You would expect that fan to be banned for a prolonged period of time. But it’s disappointing that Madden couldn’t see some common sense.

Players have to be able to ignore the verbal jabs. That’s fair enough. But when they’re physically assaulted? Come on. How would anyone react in a situation like that? Manager Stephen Glass and chairman Cormack have plenty reason to be fuming with the verdict.

From a Celtic perspective, it’s going to see Aberdeen down one of their top stars. Lewis Ferguson is likely to come back of course after returning from suspension himself.

It could be an interesting few days as the Dons try to get this overturned. But considering the rules don’t allow it, it would be surprising to see the SFA make an exception.

In other news, Bayer Leverkusen have some real issues after another unconvincing display pre-Celtic