The narrative around Celtic’s yellow card rate this season is gaining traction online, with critics pointing to a supposed refereeing bias based on a skewed statistic – fouls per yellow card. But when you scratch beneath the surface, the criticism doesn’t hold up.
As of 31 March, Celtic sit top of the Premiership when it comes to fouls per yellow card, averaging 10.4 fouls before a caution is issued. That’s well ahead of the next best, Ross County, who are sitting at 5.9. The rest of the league falls between 4.6 and 5.9, with Rangers on 5.2.
Fouls Per Card
24/25 Season
As at 31/03/25Celtic 10.4
Ross County 5.9
St.Johnstone 5.4
Hibs 5.3
Hearts 5.3
Rangers 5.2
Dundee 5.0
St.Mirren 4.9
Motherwell 4.8
Kilmarnock 4.7
Dundee Utd 4.7
Aberdeen 4.6— Pie & Bovril 🏴 (@pieandbov) March 31, 2025
At first glance, it might look like Celtic are getting preferential treatment from officials—but the reality is far more nuanced. Celtic are a possession-heavy team who press aggressively high up the pitch.
A lot of the fouls they commit are in non-dangerous areas where players get crowded out and go down easily. These moments might draw a whistle but rarely warrant a booking. More often than not, they’re soft fouls or shoulder-to-shoulder challenges that players buy in tight areas.
Look at Saturday, for example; Cameron Carter-Vickers committed four fouls in a short period of time but didn’t receive a booking. Apart from the free kick he gave away at the edge of the box, all the ‘fouls’ were at the halfway line, and in all honesty, it was surprising that a professional referee thought the challenges were a foul.
What’s even more telling is that Celtic’s European record this season aligns with their domestic numbers. In Europe, they’ve averaged 9.3 fouls per yellow—almost identical to their Scottish Premiership rate. And UEFA officials, it’s safe to say, aren’t giving Celtic any favours.
The idea that this stat alone is some kind of smoking gun just doesn’t stand up. It’s not about getting away with more—it’s about how, when, and where those fouls are committed. The numbers back up Celtic’s style, not some imagined conspiracy.
