Pundit Shocked By Sunday Celtic Penalty Verdict

“As a performance as a whole, it was pleasing,” John Kennedy

With Brendan Rodgers in the managers equivalent of the sin bin, John Kennedy stood in today on the touchline and for the pre and post-match interviews as Celtic. ran out convincing 3-0 winners at Livingston to go back to the top of the Scottish Premiership ahead of next Sunday’s trip to Ibrox. Here’s what John Kennedy had to say after the match…

💪 Celtic go top of the #cinchPrem table with a 3-0 win over Livingston to set up a 𝗵𝘂𝗴𝗲 title clash with Rangers at Ibrox next Sunday, live on Sky ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/zYHZgydbwk

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) March 31, 2024

Q: How delighted were you with that performance?

John Kennedy: “It was very good. As everyone knows, coming here especially on a day like today when the sun is out and drying the pitch up, can be difficult. But the boys were very good, very professional. We didn’t give Livingston very much at all in terms of territory or getting into our box which is always important here.

“And in our attacking play, we stuck at it. In the first half, we could have scored – we got into some great areas and maybe the final ball wasn’t there or things got blocked. But we showed that calmness, which is important at this time of year. It’s easy to get dragged into panic mode and think that you need to go chasing a win, but we stayed with our performance, stayed with doing the same things.

“We were relentless and eventually, it breaks for you. That’s what happened and we came out convincing winners.”

Q: How important was Reo Hatate today?

John Kennedy:  “He was on it right from the first minute as he has been in training, which is why the gaffer thought to get him in the team quickly. He’s been terrific the last few weeks. He came back in good condition and worked hard. We had the game last week to give him some minutes and he was really good, so it was time to unleash him.

“I think you can see what he brings to the team, and even when he came off, Paulo came on, gave us a bit of buzz and got his goal. The squad is taking shape. Cam (CCV) has another 90 minutes under his belt and with Reo back in we’ve pretty much got a full bill of health. We’re in good shape going into the run-in, but for us, it’s just about focusing on performance and maintaining that level.”

Q: How much are you looking forward to having a settled team at last?

John Kennedy: “It’s been a challenge but that’s part of football. It happens sometimes, and it’s affected our rhythm and our performances sometimes. But in the last period, we’ve been very good. We’ve given away one or two cheap goals which has kept other teams in games, but our attacking play has been really good.

“It’s been very good from our front players, the way we supply them and then the end product with us scoring a lot of goals. It’s just about staying on that. But even today, the defensive part of the game was very good. If you allow Livingston to get up into your half and get balls into your box, that’s when the trouble stops. But we stopped that at the source, which was what Kyogo, Daizen and Nick did at the front end.

“Our midfield worked in and around that then the boys at the back dealt with anything that came along. That’s a crucial part. Everyone thinks that when you come to Livingston it’s all about going and breaking them down. That’s very much part of it, but for us, it’s just as important how we defend against that, how we press to stop them giving us difficult moments.

“At the same time, it forces mistakes and gives us chances, which we got a couple of in the first half as well. As a performance as a whole, it was pleasing.”

Q: Can Hatate be the difference maker?

John Kennedy: “I think that’s always the case with your best players. He’s shown that, in terms of big games and big performances. He’s obviously not fully up to speed but I think we can see today that he’s in pretty good condition, and it’s just the confidence he brings to the team as well.

“He plays with that composure. Even on a difficult pitch, you can see how he brings calmness to the game. He sees the passes which the front players thrive on and he gives us a slightly different dynamic. It’s important to have him back. It’s just about getting him through the week now, getting him that extra bit fitter going into next week.”

Q: How do you feel are shaping up for the massive game next weekend?

John Kennedy: “The injuries have hampered us but the squad are looking good, you see it in training, you sense it in training, the numbers are starting to come back up, the quality’s starting to come back in, and the standard starts to rise.

“Outwith the Hearts game, when we went down to 10 men very early, we’d scored 17 goals in four games and we’ve scored another three today, so in that respect it’s very pleasing. Obviously, we want to stay on top of our defensive game and not slacken off, and if we do that we get performances like that where we dominate games and give nothing away. That’s always the objective, to have that level of performance.”

Q: Is it good to see that Matt O’Riley looks to have rediscovered some of his early season form?

John Kennedy: “He’s been crucial for us this year, especially when Callum comes out, the dynamic changes slightly. Even Tomoki today, in terms of the physicality he gave us, the number of times he picked up second balls or broke up attacks, he was really good and that allowed Matt and Reo to get involved further forward. It’s a good dynamic. We’ve got good options in there now so that will be crucial in the run-in.”

Q: You are back at the top of the league are you in the best fettle to take on theRangers?

John Kennedy: “Yes, I think we are, if you look at the way we’re attacking and our control, especially today. Our attacking game has really clicked the last little while, especially with having the front players and even Nic (Nicolas Kuhn) coming into the equation. Initially, he had a period off, he came in kind of unfit but you can see he’s now up to speed and Yang’s back from suspension. We’ve now got options. It’s not just the starting players, it’s what comes in behind that. We basically changed the front three today and the second front three was still strong. We’ve got lots of options and everybody will contribute.”

Q: Can you look forward to this game? Is it like any other game?

John Kennedy: “It’s like any other game. We just have to approach it the same as we have done and not get involved in the emotional side. Sometimes that can be a burden so for us it’s about focusing on our training and making sure we’re prepared for the game.”

🗣️ “We’ve had interruptions there, several injuries, had to make changes in games at times which doesn’t help that side of it – but today we were strong.”

Assistant manager John Kennedy is pleased with the three goals and a clean sheet in Celtic’s win vs Livingston ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9gfB7361Kn

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) March 31, 2024

Chris Sutton blanks Celtic underdog tag but Rangers scenario elicits confession over Ibrox showdown..

Sutton wasn;t taking Robbie Savage’s bait but he did outline what can’t happen as far as Brendan Rodgers’ is concerned.

Chris Sutton wouldn’t bite on Robbie Savage asking him if Celtic were underdogs for next week’s Old Firm derby.

But he did confess that it’s a game Brendan Rodgers‘ side must not lose. The champions head across the city with a slender one point lead at the top of the Premiership, although Rangers men have a game in hand against Dundee. Three points for the Hoops in Givan next Sunday will leave the Gers needing to beat the Dark Blues AND leave Parkhead with maximum points after the split, barring any unforeseen hiccups from the holders.

But a home win would send the Light Blues back to the summit, with the chance to increase the gap to five at Dens Park. That would need their rivals needing favours even with a home derby victory. On the BBC 606 phone in, caller Frank tagged Rodgers’ troops as underdogs for the crunch title clash, although Sutton didn’t go that far despite Savage’s attempts to draw him on his former club’s chances.

RELATED ARTICLES

Frank: “I think we go in as very much underdogs in the way we’ve been playing this season. Rangers, without a doubt – and it break my heart to say it – are definitely playing far better under the present manager than they were under the great Michael Beale.”

Savage: “Underdogs Chris. Do you think Celtic are underdogs”

Sutton: “Well, Frank makes a point that Rangers have got a game in hand and if they win that game in hand…the game at Ibrox is absolutely massive. Celtic can’t lose this game, can they?”

Frank: “That’s the point Chris. We can afford to draw because we’ve still got them at Parkhead. But we must not lose this game. We have to fundamentally forget this possession at all costs that the current manager seems to have endorsed, as opposed to Ange last season. If he takes the shackles off, we can take Rangers no problem.”

Ex Celtic and Liverpool legend dismisses Brendan Rodgers SFA ‘special treatment’ conspiracy theory

The Hoops manager served his one match ban against Livingston on Sunday.

Celtic and Liverpool icon Kenny Dalglish has moved to shut down any conspiracy theory over Brendan Rodgers being hit with a one-match ban rather than two for criticising officials.

The Hoops boss slammed referee Don Robertson and VAR John Beaton by branding the pair ‘incompetent’ after he was left furious with the standard of officiating in light of the 2-0 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle when Yang Hyun-Jun was sent off and Tomoki Iwata gifted away a controversial penalty.

Rodgers found himself hauled up in front of a Scottish FA disciplinary panel on Thursday and had to watch on from the stands during Sunday’s 3-0 Premiership win over Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena – with an additional suspended game issued to the Northern Irishman that carries over to next season.

But Dalglish insists Rodgers – who is permitted to return to the dugout when his side head across the city to face Rangers at Ibrox next weekend – had no case to answer at all and questioned the mindset of whistler Robertson after the governing body failed to give him a “vote of confidence” with Rodgers punishment.

Writing in his Sunday Post column, Dalglish said: “Some people are up in arms because Brendan Rodgers was only given a one-game touchline ban on Thursday.

Brendan was far from happy that day of referee Don Robertson, and the VAR, John Beaton.

“He used the word ‘incompetence’ when describing their performances in his post-match interviews. you are not allowed to say such things and he left himself wide open to be charged by the Hampden hierarchy. Normally, it is a straightforward two-game ban. It’s usually a done deal. But Brendan only got one game and one game suspended.

Some people think he has been given special treatment for not getting a two-game ban. My view is that he shouldn’t have been anywhere near Hampden in the first place for a disciplinary hearing.

“He was critical of the match officials and chose to highlight that after the game. He spoke in a calm and measured manner. I don’t think he was over the top.

He had every right to be angry as some of the decisions were wrong, particularly the penalty award against them. Yet, he was punished. Were the match officials sanctioned in any shape or form?

As a manager, you must have the right to defend your football club. That is very important. A manager has a responsibility to represent and defend all.

“Supporters also want to hear a manager stand up for their club. They will ask serious questions of you if you don’t. And would be right to do so.

But it would seem the SFA doesn’t want to hear any words of criticism. Is the day coming when they will try to ban managers from offering an opinion?

The bottom line is that our officials need to be held accountable when they mess up. That is only right for the good of our game.

“They are far too inconsistent and the decision-making should be much better, especially now they have the use of VAR.

But it seems as though one handball will be punished for one week, the next week another referee will simply wave play on. It’s no wonder managers, players and supporters are furious most Saturday nights.

“That said, I do have sympathy for referees and there does appear to be a lack of clarity for certain situations on the field. It will be interesting to see how Don Robertson handles today’s game at Livingston.

All eyes will be on his performance. I’ve no doubt he will be professional but, privately, how will he and John Beaton be feeling about the decision to given Brendan a one-game ban? It’s hardly a vote of confidence in them from the SFA panel.”

Chris Sutton Brands One Thing an ‘Embarrassment’ After Celtic’s 3-0 Victory

On a day that saw Celtic dominate Livingston with a compelling second-half performance, the spotlight wasn’t solely the 3-0 victory . Instead, former Celtic star and current Sky Sports pundit, Chris Sutton, directed the post-match discourse towards the synthetic surface at Livingston’s home ground, labeling it an “embarrassment” for top-flight football.

Sutton, known for his forthrightness, didn’t mince his words. He expressed relief at the prospect of potentially never having to witness top-tier football played on Livingston’s “monstrosity of a pitch” again, especially as the club teeters on the brink of relegation.

31st March 2024; Almondvale Stadium, Livingston, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Livingston versus Celtic; Celtic players celebrate after Jamie Brandon of Livingston scores an own goal to make it 1-0 to Celtic in the 49th minute

His critique taps into a broader sentiment shared by many within the football—that natural grass should be a non-negotiable standard for the game at its highest level.

— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) March 31, 2024

Under the watchful eye of manager Brendan Rodgers from the stands—due to a one-game suspension—the team exhibited a performance that was both dominant and decisive. Especially noteworthy was the return of Reo Hatate to the starting XI, marking his first appearance since January with a display that reminded everyone of what he was about.

31st March 2024; Almondvale Stadium, Livingston, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Livingston versus Celtic; Liam Scales of Celtic challenges Stephen Kelly of Livingston in the air for the ball

An own goal by Livingston’s Jamie Brandon. Subsequent goals by Paulo Bernardo and Matt O’Riley sealed the deal, propelling Celtic to a comfortable win.

The debate over artificial pitches is not new, but Sutton’s comments bring it back into focus at a critical juncture for Livingston

We would all like to see pristine playing conditions in the SPFL, but these clubs save a lot of money by putting down a synthetic surface. We have to look at how we can absorb the costs within the league. It’s better for the game and the players’ health.

 

 

 

Swpl round-up: Celtic beat Glasgow City as Reangers comeback stuns Hibaernian

Round 24 of Scottish Women’s Premier League; Celtic remain a point behind Rangers after their 2-1 win over Glasgow City while the league leaders fought back from 1-0 to beat Hibernian 2-1; At the bottom, Montrose are now nine points clear of relegation with a win over Hamilton Accies

Image:Kathy Hill scored Rangers’ winner against Hibernian

Rangers 2-1 Hibernian

Hibs were left distraught after Rangers staged a late comeback to keep themselves at the top of the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League table for another round.

Experienced, Reliable, and Professional. Join a regulated broker with a stellar reputationTrade with Confidence – FxPro, a Trusted Broker Since 2002 and winner 105 industry awardsFxPro

It was Jorian Baucom who found the first goal of the game as a slack ball from Libby Bance was played to the feet of the forward. Jenna Fife couldn’t keep it out as Baucom slotted it past her for her 21st league goal of the season.

Rangers were trailing for most of the game thanks to an incredible showing from the Hibs defence. The hosts kept up the pressure though and Rio Hardy was the one who found the equaliser as she smashed it beyond the goalkeeper.

Although they had done well to hold onto the lead for so long in the game, it all fell apart for Hibs in the latter stages. Kathy Hill found herself in a good position and when she received the ball, she had no trouble tapping it into the back of the net to win the game for the league leaders.

It’s an exciting clash up next for Rangers after the international break as they host Glasgow City, who sit in third place and will likely need a win to remain in the title race. Hibs are the visitors as they face Hearts in the Edinburgh derby on Friday April 12.

Glasgow City 1-2 Celtic

Celtic kept the league leaders on their toes as two goals against Glasgow City kept them within just a point of top spot.

Get Sky Sports

Stream Sky Sports on NOW

Download the Sky Sports App

Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp!

With 37 minutes on the clock, Caitlin Hayes rose high and converted a cross from the back post with a powerful header.

Keeping the lead going into half-time, Celtic came out looking to score another in the second and they eventually did through Tash Flint. The Liverpool loanee rounded the goalkeeper and found the back of the net.

Heading into stoppage time, Carlee Giammona pulled one back for City, but they couldn’t find another as the Celts secured all three points.

Celtic will look to keep the pressure on Rangers with a victory against Partick Thistle on April 14. Glasgow City face off against the league leaders on the same day as they visit the Broadwood Stadium.

Partick Thistle 0-3 Hearts

It was a comfortable victory for Hearts as they increased the gap between themselves and fifth place in the league. Goals from Danni Findlay and a double from Kathleen McGovern sent the visitors on their way to victory.

Hearts opened the scoring after some early chances when Findlay got on the end of a cross. Jess Husband sent a ball into the box and Findlay headed past Megan Cunningham.

As the second half got under way, McGovern came close as she stole the ball from a Thistle defender. She couldn’t keep it down, but she made up for the miss shortly after when she doubled the visitor’s advantage with a composed finish.

Thistle almost got one back through Carla Boyce, but her effort struck off the crossbar. They would come to regret the miss as McGovern snatched a third for Hearts, despite calls for offside.

After the international break it’s an Edinburgh derby on April 12 as Hearts host Hibernian while Thistle host Celtic on April 14.

Montrose 2-1 Hamilton Accies

Montrose scored in the 88th minute to steal all three points in an exciting clash against Hamilton Accies.

It was the home side who got the opener as Louise Brown fired a shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Unlike the last meeting where the Links Park side won 7-0, Montrose didn’t have an easy run of things as Chloe Muir equalised for the visitors with a well-placed shot into the top corner.

Although it looked as though the sides would have to settle for a point a piece, Aimee Ridgeway’s header found the net to win the game for the hosts and put them nine points clear of relegation.

When domestic action returns, Montrose pay a visit to Spartans in Edinburgh on April 14th while Hamilton are away to Aberdeen on the same day.

Dundee United 2-4 Spartans

Spartans secured an important three points with victory over Dundee United. The hosts looked as though they could’ve grasped a point after fighting back from 3-0 down but a fourth from Mya Bates was the final nail in the coffin.

Spartans scored very early in the game as Louise Mason found the opener. They weren’t messing around and doubled their lead through Hannah Jordan as a cross from Bates fell perfectly in place with less than 10 minutes played.

Bates decided to get in on the action as well as she was in the right place to convert a rebounded Mason effort and put Spartans 3-0 up.

The hosts pulled one back as Robyn Smith met a cross from Rachel Todd at the end of the first half.

It looked as though the game might have been back on the two combined again in the second half to decrease the lead.

Their hopes were shattered though when Bates made it four for the visitors, slotting it home at the back post to secure her brace.

Dundee United will look to bounce back against Motherwell when they meet on April 14th. Spartans will hope to get another win when they meet Montrose on the same day.

Motherwell 3-0 Aberdeen

Motherwell breezed past Aberdeen in the battle for 7th place partly thanks to a Laura Berry double.

Aberdeen came close to the first goal of the afternoon as Bayley Hutchison struck an effort that battered off the crossbar.

Racing down the other end, Motherwell were the ones who found the opener as Morgan Cross put it through the legs of the Aberdeen goalkeeper.

They doubled their lead through Laura Berry as she found the net from close range and she who secured her brace for the hosts as she converted a rebound for Motherwell’s third of the afternoon.

When they return to action on April 14, Motherwell will face off against Dundee United at Fir Park. Aberdeen play on the same day as they host Hamilton.