Slovakian referee Ivan Kruzliak got to send off another Celtic player eight years after sending off Virgil van Dijk.
On that night Kruzliak officiated the Europa League tie between Inter Milan and Celtic. Just before the break, van Dijk was sent off and it pretty much killed Celtic’s chances dead.
Not only that, but the referee handed out cards like sweeties on Halloween pushing Celtic through the disciplinary threshold under UEFA rules. Celtic were infuriated at the time.
A club spokesperson said at the time: “UEFA rules state that they are able to open disciplinary proceedings against any club that receives five or more bookings.
“Celtic can confirm that this is a charge the club will be contesting.”
The Celtic manager at the time, Ronny Deila said at the time to Record Sport: “The sending off for Virgil was very cheap.
“The referee had a bad day at work. If we had a day like that we would have lost 6-0
“We have a very disappointed dressing room. I feel sorry for the players but I’m also
proud of them.
“Until the sending off it was an even game and we controlled it more and more.
“We had a very good chance to go through. It was tough to take”
Celtic had played out a 3-3 draw with Inter at Celtic Park and were in the San Siro just looking to nick a goal to put the Italians out. Deila believes the referee played his part.
Ivan Kruzliak looks to have picked up where he left off. A man who loves using his cards and who might just remember Celtic once slapped in an appeal against his performance.
