Missed Opportunity: SFA Fails to Address Controversial Celtic Incident

The SFA’s Key Match Incident (KMI) panel has been under the spotlight this week, primarily for their ruling that Reo Hatate should have been sent off during Celtic’s 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock. However, an equally controversial moment from the same match has been entirely overlooked by the panel – Liam Donnelly’s elbow on Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Late in the match, Donnelly appeared to deliberately stick out his elbow as he ran past Schmeichel, who was left furious by the challenge. While Donnelly’s attempt ultimately caught Schmeichel in the chest rather than the face, the intent behind the action was clear. Referee Nick Walsh opted to show Donnelly a yellow card, but many, including Schmeichel, believed the incident merited far harsher punishment.

Clear Violent Conduct Ignored

The incident wasn’t reviewed by VAR during the Game, and the KMI panel has reportedly decided not to discuss it further. This decision raises serious questions about the consistency of officiating and post-match analysis. The panel’s focus on Hatate’s late challenge, while ignoring what could easily be classified as violent conduct, leaves Celtic fans scratching their heads.

The rules around violent conduct are clear – the intent to harm is punishable, even if the player does not succeed in doing so. Donnelly’s action was deliberate and reckless, with no attempt to play the ball. That such behaviour only warranted a yellow card on the day, and has now been brushed aside by the KMI panel, sends the wrong message about player safety and fair play.

Celtic Fans and Players Frustrated

Kasper Schmeichel’s reaction at the time said it all. The Danish goalkeeper was irate, and rightly so, given the nature of the challenge. For Donnelly to escape with only a booking will feel like a missed opportunity to address a clear act of aggression that could have resulted in serious injury.

This incident highlights the inconsistencies in how decisions are handled. While the focus has been on Hatate’s tackle, incidents like this need the same level of scrutiny to maintain the integrity of the Game.

As Celtic prepare for a busy run of fixtures, the lack of action on Donnelly’s elbow is likely to linger in the mind. We head back to Tynecastle in just over a weeks time where last time out we suffered some incredible decisions against us that put us up against it, ultimately losing 2-0. Celtic will hope for stronger officials in the capital this time around.