NafisaIn a fiery Scottish Premiership Old Firm derby at Celtic Park, the heat wasn’t just generated by the passionate Glasgow rivals — it came from a first-half tackle that has divided fans and pundits alike.
Rangers took an early lead through on-loan Tottenham forward Mikey Moore, who finished a clinical move involving Youssef Chermiti.
However, Celtic fought back strongly, equalizing before halftime and eventually running out 3-1 winners, with Daizen Maeda scoring a brace, including a spectacular overhead kick.
The Flashpoint: Johnston vs Moore
The major talking point emerged in the first half when Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston challenged Mikey Moore. Referee Nick Walsh issued a yellow card to the Canadian international, but many felt the decision should have been harsher.
Sky Sports pundit and former Rangers striker Kris Boyd was unequivocal in his analysis during the broadcast. Over slow-motion replays of the incident, Boyd delivered his verdict loud and clear:
“100% red card all day long!” (also phrased as “That is a red card all day long!”)
Boyd argued that Johnston’s tackle caught Moore above the ankle, making it a dangerous challenge worthy of a straight red card, irrespective of any contact with the ball. He emphasized that the height of the contact left Moore fortunate to escape serious injury and highlighted Johnston’s luck in only receiving a booking.
Pundit Consensus and VAR Debate
Boyd wasn’t alone. Fellow Sky Sports pundit James McFadden shared a similar view, and the pair’s strong reaction was echoed by former referee Des Roache, who agreed it should have been a dismissal. Critics have also pointed fingers at VAR for not intervening to upgrade the decision.
Celtic fans and some neutrals have defended the challenge, claiming Johnston won the ball cleanly and that the contact was not excessive by the standards of a high-tempo derby. Rangers supporters, predictably, have rallied behind Boyd’s assessment, seeing it as further evidence of inconsistent refereeing in big matches.
Boyd’s Track Record in Old Firm Analysis
Kris Boyd, never one to shy away from strong opinions — especially in Old Firm fixtures — has a history of blunt punditry. His comments today fit his no-nonsense style, often leaning on player safety and the letter of the law regarding endangering opponents.
The incident adds another layer to the ongoing debates around refereeing standards, VAR usage, and consistency in the Scottish game. With the title race tightening (Celtic’s win narrowed the gap at the top), such flashpoints are likely to fuel discussion long after the final whistle.
What’s next?
Expect plenty of post-match reaction, possible SFA scrutiny, and the usual social media storm. In the Old Firm, some controversies never truly die — they just wait for the next derby.
Whether you agree with Boyd’s “all day long” call or not, one thing is certain: this tackle will be replayed and debated for days to come.
Nafisa
