Mark Clattenburg’s verdict on Hibs star’s ‘reckless’ kick to Celtic’s Arne Engels’ head.

This week’s Celtic win over Hibs has certainly ruffled some feathers.

As Celtic prepares to reclaim the top spot in the Scottish Premiership, it appears that Hearts and Rangers fans are paying close attention to what happens in Celtic’s games.

Celtic’s victory over Hibs was marred by officiating controversy, with opposing fans alleging that Hoops defender Colby Donovan should have been sent off at Easter Road.

Those same fans demanded that Auston Trusty be red carded in Celtic’s Premier Sports Cup victory over Rangers.

However, when it comes to Hibs’ Jamie McGrath’s true kick to Arne Engels’ head, the silence from those noisy supporters is deafening.

So, should McGrath have been sent out for his challenge on the Celtic midfielder? We asked former FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg about his comments.

Hibs’ Jamie McGrath’s challenge didn’t ‘meet the criteria’ on Arne Engels for a red card

The Celtic outcome has kept Clattenburg busy as he analyses all of the decisions made at Easter Road, and here, the former Premier League referee explains why the decision not to send McGrath off was justified.

Clattenburg told 67 Hail Hail, “Jamie McGrath catches Arne Engels with a high foot while attempting to clear the ball and prevent an Engels header from entering the goal. “Yes, the foot was high, and there was touch on Engels’ head, but I would have been surprised if he received a red card.

“McGrath is attempting to clear the ball and has no intention of injuring his opponent, while Engels is brave and lowers his head to win the ball.”

The yellow card for reckless play was appropriate, as the challenge lacked the malice and speed required for a red card.

The IFAB rule on serious foul play Celtic fans will be interested in

Many Celtic fans believe McGrath should have been sent out for major foul play, but how does the IFAB define it?

According to IFAB regulation 12.4 on disciplinary action, significant foul play is defined as a tackle or challenge that endangers an opponent’s safety or utilises excessive force or brutality.

“Any player who lunges at an opponent in challenging for the ball from the front, from the side or from behind using one or both legs, with excessive force or endangers the safety of an opponent is guilty of serious foul play.”

The rule seems pretty clear, intent doesn’t come into it. The punishment, however, appears to be not as clear.

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