The final game in Celtic’s Austria and Switzerland training camp was marred with controversy as centre half Jozo Simunovic picked up a straight red card after it was awarded via VAR.
The 24-year-old saw red against St. Gallen for a high boot and is now sweating on what disciplinary actions the referee, Fedayi San, will take and it could lead to some sort of competitive ban for the defender. Simunovic would likely face a domestic ban if the referee reports the incident to the Swiss FA (and in turn it would be passed on to the SFA) meaning the Croat would miss a league or cup game as opposed to missing either of the FK Sarajevo matches.
75' – After another VAR check, Jozo Simunovic receives a red card from the referee for a high foot. The Bhoys down to 10-men for the last 15 minutes.
0⃣-0⃣
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 2, 2019
The silly red card probably couldn’t come at worse time for Simunovic who has seen Kristoffer Ajer step up his level of performance in the second half of last season and fellow centre half Christopher Julien- the club’s second most expensive signing ever- sign for the club. His dismissal might just cost him at a time when Neil Lennon will be looking to establish a partnership in the centre of his defence and if he is to miss any game time as a result he’s only got himself (and maybe VAR) to blame.
These Celtic fans aren’t happy with either of Jozo Simunovic or the referees out in Switzerland’s performance last night.
Ridiculous challenge why ????
— Joe Dabernig (@JoeDabernig) July 2, 2019
Correct decision, absolute stupidity from Jozo
— Joe (@onekinghenrik) July 2, 2019
Imagine getting a red card in a friendly
— Martin Boyle (@MartinBoyle88) July 2, 2019
This guy needs coached on how to defend
— Jamie Whiteford (@seumasabheinn) July 2, 2019
What the hell was simunovic thinking that was a terrible tackle
— Kathleen McGinlay (@Kathlee27468770) July 2, 2019
Red card just flashed up on my phone not saying who it was, knew it would be him ????
— Jonathan ???? (@JonathanEFC1982) July 2, 2019
Were really awful man preseason game or not theres no reason we shouldnt be winning this game 3-0
— Kyle stirrat (@Kylestirrat1) July 2, 2019
What a shame! In a friendly ???? Deserved the red card and should be banned for further friendlies.
— René Engeli (@sangalle66) July 2, 2019
This is exactly the reason why he can’t b trusted !
— Joe Hendry (@Joehen55) July 2, 2019