Celtic came from a goal down to produce one of the narrow football results of the weekend in the Scottish Premiership. After Matt O’Riley was given a penalty by referee David Munro early in the second half at Celtic Park, David Cancola gave County the lead. Ange Postecoglou, the home manager, was stunned as Johnson kicked the ball off O’Riley from close range on the side of the box, and he stood there with his hands over his mouth. Although the midfielder was bringing his arm closer to his body, Euan Anderson, the video assistant referee, supported the call. The dispute began when Celtic was promptly refused a penalty demand. David Turnbull and Sead Haksabanovic scored goals in quick succession to make it nine straight domestic
Following the narrow victory at Motherwell the previous week, Postecoglou made six changes, and despite Kyogo Furuhashi’s numerous opportunities, Celtic’s first-half play lacked any kind of spark. After being put through with ease by Reo Hatate, the Japanese striker deflected a header onto the roof of the net with a respectable attempt but then pulled a shot over. After being set up by Haksabanovic, the center-forward took a strong touch and later lobbed an ambitious shot over.
Celtic started to play with more intensity right away, and Laidlaw made a great diving stop of Turnbull’s curling attempt. When Munro denied pleas for a penalty when Anthony Ralston was brought down while receiving close coverage from the back from the opposing right-back Johnson, a decision that was supported by a VAR check, the home crowd’s sense of injustice increased. Prior to Celtic tying the score in the 62nd minute, Furuhashi volleyed over. Hatate evaded County’s slender defence with a dance move before cutting back for Turnbull, who took a touch and sent the ball between Laidlaw’s legs. Six minutes later, the champions were in the lead. Before passing the ball from 15 yards inside the far post, Haksabanovic exchanged quick passes with Turnbull, Hatate, and then Turnbull.
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