Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi was forced off through injury in the Hoops’ 6-0 win over Aberdeen on Sunday. It was a nasty challenge from Aberdeen defender Slobodan Rubezic that caused the Japanese internationalist to be withdrawn.
At the time, the centre half was given a yellow card, although many were of the opinion it should have been red. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher doesn’t think so, though. He said (Sky Sports): “I don’t think it’s a red card at all. It’s unfortunate because it’s a clash of heads that forces Kyogo off. I certainly don’t think it’s a red card, not at all.”
Gallagher was defiant in his stance. It is hard to argue with someone who has refereed at the very top, although one of the criteria for a red card is if a player endangers the safety of an opponent.
Rubezic’s on Kyogo undoubtedly did this because the 28-year-old was knocked unconscious. Nevertheless, the on-field decision remained true and the Montenegrin international wasn’t reprimanded for the forceful challenge.
