Pat Bonner issues cutting verdict on where it all went wrong for Celtic against Hearts

Celtic missed the chance to go top of the Scottish Premiership after falling to a 2-0 defeat against Heart of Midlothian earlier today.

On a day fraught with controversy, the Bhoys saw Hyunjun Yang sent off for a high challenge on Alex Cochrane in the immediate aftermath of Adam Idah missing an early penalty.

Just before the interval, Tomoki Iwata was penalised for a handball offence despite being turned away from play, resulting in Hearts being granted a chance to open the scoring from 12 yards.

Jorge Grant stepped up to give the hosts the lead, and Lawrence Shankland saw a second ruled out for offside moments later after being deemed offside by the merest of margins.

Nevertheless, the Scotland striker put the game beyond doubt in the 56th minute, capitalising on a break of the ball to slam a low strike past Joe Hart.

Brendan Rodgers shared his anger at both decisions that went against Celtic post-match, publically calling out John Beaton’s role in both outcomes.

He stated: “I thought the officials were very, very poor. You’ll have to ask John Beaton in VAR what he’s seeing. If he’s seeing that as dangerous play and handball, then he’s probably seeing something different to everyone else.”

The Hoops remain two points behind Rangers in the race for the title, with just nine matches left to go until everything is said and done.

Pat Bonner has say on where everything went wrong for Celtic

Undoubtedly, Celtic supporters will feel a sense of frustration in the wake of another difficult day at the office, compounded by a questionable performance from the officiating team.

Former Hoops goalkeeper Pat Bonner has had his say on events, citing that his old side didn’t possess the attacking threat required to trouble Steven Naismith’s side during proceedings.

He also disagreed with Yang’s dismissal, stating [BBC Sport]: “You couldn’t see Celtic scoring in that second half. They had a few chances, and if it had been Lawrence Shankland, they might have gone in.

“I didn’t think it was a red card [for Yang], and that changed the game. There were a few big moments which changed things.

“I didn’t think it was a penalty for Celtic either, and they missed that opportunity. Adam Idah did not strike the ball well enough.”

Celtic need to put Tynecastle disappointment behind them

Granted, there is a palpable sense of ire surrounding some of the events at Tynecastle today; however, we can still ensure Rodgers’ first campaign back in Scotland can be a positive one.

Once the disappointment over today subsides, the players have a full week to recover before facing Livingston next Sunday in the last eight of the Scottish Cup, offering a chance to book a place at Hampden for the first time this season.

Undoubtedly, achieving that aim would help to boost spirits among the support, who have endured a rollercoaster ride with plenty of highs and lows over the course of 2023/24.