Former Celtic midfielder John Collins has aimed criticism at Sebastian Tounekti after what he described as a “stupid” free-kick that led to Hibs’ controversial equaliser at Easter Road.
The incident directly preceded the leveller, with the Hoops in front 1-0 thanks to Daizen Maeda’s strike before Owen Elding was brought down by Tounekti.
Collins felt the challenge was completely unnecessary, especially as the Hibs forward was drifting away from Viljami Sinisalo’s goal and posed little danger in that moment.
From the resulting set-piece, Joe Newell went on to score a disputed equaliser, with Celtic players also appealing for a possible handball in the build-up.
Collins said: “It all comes from the stupidity of Tounekti giving away a pointless free-kick in the wide areas.
“Nicky Cadden sends a great delivery into the box, in the second phase the goalkeeper came for it and got an average punch on it.
“Fair play to Hibs, they get the ball in the box and it’s 1-1. Unbelievable.”
Former Celtic goalkeeper Packie Bonner backed Collins’ view that Tounekti’s mistake proved costly, even though the final outcome still swung in Celtic’s favour.
Manager Martin O’Neill, however, avoided pointing the finger at officials over the handball claims, saying: “I haven’t seen it again.
“We have a wee monitor at the side, the boys thought it might have been at that stage, but it is what it is.”
The reaction reflects clear frustration around the moment, which many felt could have been avoided altogether.
Celtic were unable to hold onto their lead after the controversial equaliser, with Tounekti’s challenge seen as the turning point in that passage of play.
Nevertheless, they still went on to secure all three points thanks to a later winner from Kelechi Iheanacho in the second half.