Celtic are set to appeal the red card issued to defender Auston Trusty during their 3-2 defeat against Hibernian on Sunday, February 23, 2026. The incident, which occurred during the Scottish Premiership match at Easter Road, has sparked controversy, with both Celtic manager Martin O’Neill and captain Callum McGregor voicing their disagreement with the decision. The appeal centers around whether the contact constituted “violent conduct,” as determined by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
The red card, shown to Trusty in the first half, significantly impacted the game’s dynamic. Celtic fought back from 2-0 down to level the score, but ultimately conceded a late goal to suffer a damaging loss in their title defense. The incident has ignited debate about the interpretation of rules regarding physical challenges in modern football, particularly during set-piece situations. The outcome of the appeal could have implications for future officiating decisions in the Scottish Premiership.
VAR Intervention Key to Decision
According to Martin O’Neill, the initial assessment from the on-field referee was less severe. “I’ve just had a word with the referee,” O’Neill stated after the match. “He said he was going to just have a word with the two players then VAR intervened and said it was violent conduct.” O’Neill expressed his concern about the current application of the rules, stating, “You can’t do this if that’s the rules now. It doesn’t matter if someone is holding on to you. You can’t, in an attempt to break away, you can’t thrust down in the manner in which he did.”
The manager’s comments highlight the frustration surrounding the increasing influence of VAR in altering refereeing decisions. The intervention in this instance has raised questions about the threshold for violent conduct and whether the contact made by Trusty warranted a sending-off. The Scottish Professional Football Association (SPFA) will review the footage and the referee’s report as part of the appeal process.
McGregor Questions Consistency of Officiating
Celtic captain Callum McGregor echoed O’Neill’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of favorable decisions in a title race. “To win a title you need a lot of things to fall for you, you need good decisions,” McGregor said. “Obviously, the one on Sunday, in my opinion, is a bad decision.” He further argued that similar incidents occur frequently throughout matches without resulting in red cards. “Auston probably gives them the chance to send him off but I think if we’re all honest, that happens in every single corner kick, free-kick in the game, has been for the last 150 years.”
McGregor’s statement underscores the perceived inconsistency in officiating and the potential for subjective interpretations to influence match outcomes. He went on to suggest that consistently applying such a strict standard would fundamentally alter the nature of the game, stating, “To send him off for that, we may as well all go up the road and stop playing football if that’s going to be a red card every single week.”
Hibs Manager Defends the Decision
However, Hibernian head coach David Gray offered a contrasting perspective, defending the referee’s decision and supporting the VAR intervention. “You can’t lift your hands with that aggression. That’s violent conduct and a clear and obvious red,” Gray stated. His comments suggest a belief that Trusty’s actions crossed the line into unacceptable behavior, regardless of the context of the challenge.
The differing viewpoints from the two managers highlight the complexities of interpreting the laws of the game and the potential for disagreement even when reviewing the same incident. The SPFA’s decision on the appeal will be crucial in clarifying the interpretation of “violent conduct” and setting a precedent for future cases.
Celtic currently sit at the top of the Scottish Premiership table with 62 points, according to BBC Sport, but this defeat narrows the gap and intensifies the title race. The outcome of Trusty’s appeal and any subsequent suspension will undoubtedly impact Celtic’s squad depth and tactical options as they continue their pursuit of the championship.
The appeal process is expected to be completed within the next few days. Celtic will present their case to the SPFA, providing video evidence and arguments to support their claim that the red card was unwarranted. The decision will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as it could have significant ramifications for the remainder of the Scottish Premiership season.
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