Celtic go into the game 2-0 up thanks to goals from Daizen Maeda and Matt O’Riley. However, there was controversy at the end of the first half as Olusanya was given his marching orders for a challenge on Joe Hart.
David Munro initially blew up for a foul and booked Olusanya but Steven McLean on VAR directed Munro to review the pitch side monitor and reassess the situation. Replays showed that the 26-year-old had gone into the challenge with his studs up and at the head height of the Celtic goalkeeper, who was brave to punch the ball clear.
🗣️ “That’s really unfortunate… It’s an accident!”
St Mirren are down to ten-men after Toyosi Olusanya’s yellow card is changed to a 𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱 following a VAR review. Chris Sutton doesn’t agree with the decision. Your thoughts? 👇 pic.twitter.com/wwXj7qNyH4
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 2, 2024
Whilst Chris Sutton was saying that decision was harsh it was endangering an opponent and it is fortunate that Hart was not seriously injured by the foul play from Olusanya. Whether it was malicious or not, a straight leg and studs up at that height will always incur a red card. There are shades of David Turnbull’s sending off against St Johnstone last season where he attempted to connect with a ball and collided with the goalkeeper.
Hopefully Celtic can start fast in the second half and put this game to bed.
