The Celtic Park Glasgow Derby clash with Rangers was far from free of controversy.
Celtic could have put the contest to bed inside the opening 45 minutes as Wilfried Nancy’s side squandered a host of opportunities against the Ibrox outfit.
The Hoops went ahead thanks to a brilliant solo run from Hyunjun Yang, but a rapid double from Yosouf Chermiti followed by a strike from Mikey Moore secured victory for Danny Rohl’s side.
However, there was a potential red card incident early on when Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez appeared to elbow Celtic midfielder Arne Engels in the fourth minute.
As a result, former FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg was asked for his view after the Rangers player avoided any disciplinary action for the challenge on the Celtic man.
Mark Clattenburg slams match officials for missing elbow on Celtic’s Arne Engels:
VAR reviewed the incident and decided that the elbow did not justify a red card, with Fernandez escaping any form of sanction, which prompted Clattenburg to comment.
Clattenburg exclusively told 67 Hail Hail, “Rangers Emmanuel Fernandez catches Celtic’s Arne Engels in the face with his elbow.
“Referees look for the difference of using his arm as a tool or weapon when Fernandez is fighting for the ball with the difference being a clenched fist which creates power and malice and an open hand which lacks either.
“When I look at this loose elbow, the open hand is present so lacks malice and force needed to reach the criteria of a red card.
“A yellow card should have been issued and was missed by the match officials.”
Celtic’s next Scottish Premiership fixture after Rangers game:
With the Glasgow Derby now concluded, Celtic have several key Scottish Premiership fixtures to focus on during January.
Dundee United are next to visit Celtic Park, where Wilfried Nancy will be eager to gain revenge for last month’s defeat at Tannadice.
That is followed by a trip to Falkirk to take on John McGlynn’s side, a challenging encounter scheduled for the 14th.
Then comes a major showdown as Celtic travel to Tynecastle on January 25 to face Hearts, a top-of-the-table clash that promises more drama in a campaign where the Bhoys’ standards have dropped dramatically.