Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was angry with the decision to send-off Jeremy Toljan in the Hoops’ 1-0 Europa League loss to Valencia.
The Hoops were getting on top of the game before official Deniz Aytekin gave the full-back his second yellow card in the 37th minute. It left the Hoops with an uphill task and Kevin Gameiro eventually broke the deadlock in the 70th minute.
Rodgers explained after the game that he felt that the decision was harsh.
“Took the game away”
“I thought the referee took the game away from us” he told BBC Sport.
“That then changes the dynamic of the game.”
He also disclosed that he spoke to the match official who was adamant he got his decision correct.
“It was really harsh”
“I spoke to the referee after the game. He said it was a definite sending-off. I thought it was really harsh.”
Despite the red card, Rodgers can be proud of his team’s performance in Spain. They took the game to Valencia, and were far more assertive than they were in the first leg of the tie.
The Hoops boss can also be pleased with his unexpected decision to play with three at the back. It was a gamble which could well be replicated going forward in Europe.
It is now back to domestic duty for the Bhoys, as they aim to maintain their lead at the top of the Premiership, beginning against Motherwell on Sunday.
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