How exactly the referee fell for this we’re not quite sure.
But he did, and Celtic’s youngsters paid the price as they lost to Valencia tonight in their UEFA Youth league playoff.
Initially when you see a tweet like this from a club account you think of natural bias.
90 + 6 Controversy as Aitchison is penalised for a foul as he raced in on goal as defender Pascual goes down without a touch.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 10, 2016
We thought nothing more of it as the game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, and Celtic eventually lost 4-3 on spot-kicks.
The home side at Parkhead had taken an early lead, but conceded in the 87th minute to force the penalty lottery
But by far the low-light was this shocking dive from the Valenica defender, which was described like this on the Celtic website, but really it does not justice to the shocking piece of theater.
“And as the clock ticked down in stoppage time, Aitchison was penalised for a foul on David Pascual as he prepared to run through on goal, even though the striker was nowhere near his opponent. It was a decision that left the Celtic players and coaching staff perplexed and frustrated.”
Wonder what Gary Neville would think?