Ex-SFA referees clamp bitter Kris Boyd’s claim about Celtic hero Alistair Johnston vs St Mirren

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Celtic’s 5-2 win over St Mirren was not without controversy.

Brendan Rodgers eventually watched his Bhoys see off St Mirren in a hard-fought win that saw injuries to Celtic duo Callum McGregor and Auston Trusty force them off the pitch.

Goals from Jeffrey Schlupp, Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels and a double from Celtic’s hero Hyunjun Yang secured the three points to increase the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to 16 points.

However, it was the Alistair Johnston ‘penalty’ incident that has stolen the Celtic headlines and now, two former SFA referees have shared their opinion on the challenge and clamped Kris Boyd’s latest claim about the fullback’s challenge.

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What Kris Boyd said about Alistair Johnston’s tackle in Celtic’s win vs St Mirren

Boyd told Go Ballistic [21m], “I mean, it’s a stonewall penalty probably verging on a red card as well in terms of where the foot went.

“It was above the ankle, so Celtic got away one there, and that’s not to say they wouldn’t have went on and won the game.

“But I would like to have seen the outcry if it was the other end of the pitch, that’s for sure.”

Former SFA referees throw out Kris Boyd’s Celtic red card claim

Not many Celtic fans will disagree with Boyd’s assertion that St Mirren probably should have been awarded that penalty, but a red card? Not according to former SFA referees Des Roach and Steve Conroy.

Roache told The Refs View [16m], “Alistair Johnston has dived in, he has taken the boy right out. People at work, supporters, will say it’s a red card – I don’t think it’s a red card.

“It’s a penalty kick. Johnston has been very fortunate over the last couple of years – but I am not using words like ‘dark arts’ and things – it’s just a foul.”

Roache’s co-host, Steve Conroy, agreed and said, “I think it was well worthy of a penalty.

“I think it was high tariff yellow card or an orange card – but he was a bloody lucky boy. All refs miss things, but I can’t believe that VAR, after having a quick look didn’t think that was worthy of an on-field review.”

That’s the end of that, then. Celtic have a huge game to focus on at the weekend as Brendan Rodgers looks to win his third treble as the Hoops boss.

Hibs will provide stern opposition after the capital club’s latest win over Hearts will leave David Gray’s men full of confidence.

But with ten goals scored in their two games, Rodgers will be confident that his team will have enough to fire Celtic into the semi-final of the Scottish Cup on Sunday.