Former referee issues verdict on possible Celtic red card vs Dundee United

Colby Donovan escaped a red card during Celtic's 2-2 draw with Dundee United on Wednesday night, and a former referee has now explained the decision.

Donovan put in a particularly high challenge, and many felt the tackle was worthy of a red card, especially those wearing orange on Wednesday night. Donovan himself will have been relieved to have seen a yellow card come out of the referee's pocket.

But while the full-back did get very close to the line of a red card, former Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes the yellow card was fair.

He told Football Insider: “The referee judged this challenge as reckless, hence the yellow card. During the challenge, the offender’s body was always in contact with the ground.

“It is that fact and reason why the player got a yellow and not a red card, albeit his leading leg going into the challenge was high. It’s a yellow card, close to a red, but one that falls just short. I’ll support the referee on this one.”

It's one to learn from for Donovan, who often plays on the line as a player who wears his heart on his sleeve. The full-back is not afraid to fly into a challenge, but he is usually still a pretty disciplined player and not one to get sent off.

The Dundee clash did get scrappy and chaotic at times, with Celtic pushing hard for a win and often getting caught on the break by their visitors. It's often in games like that when we see some rash challenges and desperation lunges, which Donovan and the player he tackled fell victim to.

Still only 20 years of age, that's simply part of Donovan's development, and given the way he plays, there are likely going to be a few moments like that, especially in his young career.