THE pundits at Celtic’s clash with Rangers at Hampden were in no doubt that Thelo Aasgaard deserved to be sent off in the first half.
But they were stunned that a Hoops star did NOT follow the Gers man down the tunnel before the half-time whistle.
The Old Firm went head-to-head in a huge Premier Sports Cup semi-final at the national stadium.
Celtic took the lead thanks to Johnny Kenny‘s header – having already seen a Nicolas Raskin own goal ruled out after Daizen Maeda was deemed offside in the build-up by VAR.
Things got worse for Rangers in the 38th minute when they were reduced to 10 men.
Thelo Aasgaard attempted to control the ball, but instead planted his foot in Anthony Ralston‘s groin and was instantly dismissed by referee Nick Walsh.
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The Rangers players weren’t happy but there could be little doubt about the decision.
There certainly was more doubt about another decision just before the break – one that did NOT result in a red card.
Gers keeper Jack Butland rushed out to claim a loose ball in six-yard area with Auston Trusty and Kenny in close proximity.
Butland got his hands to the ball and THEN received a boot to the head from Trusty.
Referee Walsh was on the scene and brandished yellow to defender Trusty, who was holding his hands up in apology.
VAR checked – and cleared – the incident and there was no further punishment.
All four pundits in the Premier Sports studio for the game felt Trusty was fortunate not to be shown a red card instead.
Butland already had the ball under control when the contact came from Trusty.
Former Celtic stars Neil Lennon and Charlie Mulgrew reckoned it should have been red, as did the ex-Rangers aces on the panel, Steven Davis and Alan Hutton.
Lennon said: “It could have been a red. I think it’s totally unnecessary, Jack is always favourite to get to the ball.
“I think its totally unnecessary. VAR checked it but he’s lucky.”
Davis, more definitively, added: “For me it is a red.”
Hutton reckoned Trusty’s reaction was telling.
The former Gers defender continued: “You can tell by his reaction instantly.
“Trusty has his hands out, he’s trying to apologise. He knows.”
Davis returned to the conversation, saying: “He leaves his foot in when he can take it away. He knows there’s contact.”
Ex-Celtic Charlie Mulgrew branded Trusty ‘stupid’ – and was in little doubt it should have been red.
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He said: “It’s so stupid from Trusty, he’s so, so lucky.
“Aasgaard has his eye on the ball, Trusty’s reaction is to stick a leg out. He’s very lucky.”
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