Celtic have been left to lick their wounds following a dramatic 2-0 defeat away to Heart of Midlothian last weekend.
Of course, controversy surrounding the officials has dominated headlines in the days since, provoking a storm in the media that is unlikely to subside in the near future.
South Korean winger Hyunjun Yang was sent off for a high challenge on Alex Cochrane, which was overturned following an intervention from VAR. This led Don Robertson to upgrade his initial booking to a straight red at Tynecastle.
Down to ten men, Celtic struggled to impose themselves in the capital, and Tomoki Iwata was later deemed to have handled in the penalty area despite being nudged in the process.
Hearts were given a penalty that Jorge Grant duly slotted past Joe Hart to open the scoring before Lawrence Shankland put the game beyond doubt in the second half.
The Bhoys appealed Yang’s dismissal on Monday, citing ‘serious concerns’ around the usage of VAR on display.
Nevertheless, the Scottish FA threw out their protestations yesterday, which means the 21-year-old is now set to serve a two-match suspension. This ban will rule him out of this weekend’s cup tie against Livingston and next week’s clash against St Johnstone at Parkhead [Scotsman].
Celtic await an explanation for Hyunjun Yang’s red card
More details have now emerged on how Celtic chiefs feel behind the scenes following the Scottish FA’s decision to uphold Yang’s red card.
According to The Scottish Sun, the Hoops have been left ‘astonished’ by his ban remaining in place, arguing that there wasn’t any ‘excessive force’ present in the challenge on Cochrane.
The outlet report that an explanation is due in writing later this week, which may offer some clarity as to why the former Gangwon FC man was sent for an early bath.
Yesterday evening, a club spokesperson stated on the train of events [Celtic FC]: “We have received notification that the club’s claim has been dismissed. Clearly, we are surprised and extremely disappointed at this decision.”
Unfortunately, the matter now appears to be closed beyond an official line of communication describing the rationale behind Robertson’s judgment call on this occasion made in conjunction with VAR.
Either way, we move on, and hopefully, Yang can serve his suspension before returning to be a key player during the season run-in.
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