Celtic cult hero Jonny Hayes was on the end of a horror challenge in Sunday’s game between Aberdeen and Ross County. The versatile Hayes was clattered by what was a red card in just about all ages of the game after James Brown lunged in on the Irishman.
The referee only gave a yellow card for the tackle but VAR should have almost certainly intervened to give the player his marching orders up at Pittodrie. You wouldn’t be surprised if the SFA Compliance Officer were to get involved to rectify Don Robertson’s mistake on the day.
Unbelievable this wasn’t an immediate red… or a red after VAR… or even mentioned on Sportscene. https://t.co/oewoS7TICy pic.twitter.com/u6q09psxxb
— Tenerife Dons Supporters Club (@dons_club) September 25, 2023
Foul (assault) on Jonny Hayes. If that was Graeme Shinnie they’re never letting him play football again. pic.twitter.com/LMtauhoy8a
— The Sheep (@thesheep1903) September 24, 2023
It is important to flag this up because VAR was in operation at the game with Willie Callum on VAR. Collum has an outdated view on technology and in this case, he has hung his colleague out to dry rather than to effectively use the technology at his disposal. Alan Muir in the Dundee v Killie game decided to go to the monitor and stuck with his original decision, which the Dens Park side are now appealing. It would seem that there is no uniformed approach to refereeing in the country and it is to the detriment of the teams, fans and all-round product.
It was a nasty injury sustained and hopefully Hayes will be fine to continue for Aberdeen’s away games against Ross County in the Cup and then Rangers at Ibrox in the league. Barry Robson will be eager that one of his trusted lieutenants is fit and ready to compete on all fronts as they look to progress.
Hayes arrived at Celtic Park back in the summer of 2017. It was a signing that was questioned initially given his age but the fact that he had worked with Brendan Rodgers previously at Reading swayed the initial doubters. The Irishman’s versatility was a major benefit to the team, even if he probably wasn’t at the standard required to push on in Europe. Although, after winning 8 out of a possible 8 trophies, he left the club with his head held high as a part of the club’s history. There may even be a suggestion that the club should’ve retained him for the 2020/21 season rather than bringing in rubbish like Diego Laxalt on loan.
In 62 appearances for the Celtic, Hayes’ highlight was probably his goal at Ibrox, which sealed Celtic’s 2-0 win over Rangers.