Kris Boyd did not hedge his opinion after the derby stalemate at Ibrox. The ex-Rangers forward applauded Reo Hatate’s influence and supported John Beaton’s late penalty decision that secured Celtic a share of the points unlike Rangers Boss Danny Rohl who was crying over the decision after full-time.
Hatate was introduced at the interval with Celtic trailing by two and attempting to claw their way back. Rangers had overrun them in midfield across the first 45 minutes. Celtic struggled to establish authority or retain the ball in advanced positions.
That shifted once Hatate entered the fray. He received possession in congested spaces and circulated it more sharply. Rangers, who had been pressing assertively, started to retreat. The momentum of the contest swung towards the visitors.
The leveller arrived deep into added time after Daizen Maeda’s header struck Dujon Sterling’s extended arm. VAR directed the referee to the screen and a spot-kick was given. Boyd was decisive on both incidents.
He said: (Sky Sports), “Celtic fans have been on him for a number of months and I don’t think his performances have been anywhere near the level that he’s shown before, but Reo Hatate showed how good he is.
“He was outstanding. He got control of that game. Rangers dominated the first half and Celtic couldn’t live with them. The substitution at half time with Hatate coming on changed the game.
“No, I don’t think so. I think it’s a clear penalty for me (indirectly letting Danny Rohl know his cries are invalid).
“When it’s chipped up to the back post…Maeda goes. Look, Jack Butland might save it, we don’t know, we’ll never know. But Dujon Sterling’s hand is outstretched and it hits off his arm. There’s no getting away from it.”
For Boyd to state it so plainly speaks volumes. Rather than stirring controversy, he highlighted the arm’s position and the intervention on a header travelling towards goal.
Hatate’s effect was equally unmistakable. Celtic displayed greater composure in possession and began to hem Rangers in. That sustained pressure produced the delivery and ultimately the ruling.
When a former Rangers striker admits the penalty was justified and a Celtic player dictated the play, it carries significant weight.