“I WILL INCREASE THE BAN INSTEAD – PATHETIC CLUB” – Ex-FIFA Referee Mark Clattenburg Slams Celtic Over Auston Trusty Red Card Appeal
Celtic’s decision to appeal Auston Trusty’s red card from the heated 2–2 draw against Hearts has backfired spectacularly in the court of public opinion, after former FIFA referee Mark Clattenburg delivered a brutal assessment that has sent shockwaves through Scottish football.
Trusty was dismissed in the 77th minute at Tynecastle for a challenge that left Celtic clinging on with ten men before conceding a late equaliser. Within hours, Celtic confirmed they would appeal the decision, arguing the punishment was excessive and hoping for a reduction or overturning of the ban.
Instead, the appeal has ignited fierce criticism from one of football’s most recognisable officiating voices.
Speaking during a television analysis segment, Clattenburg showed zero sympathy for Celtic’s stance, calling the appeal misguided and embarrassing.
“If I were in charge, I would increase the ban instead,” Clattenburg said. “It’s a clear red card. There is no debate, no grey area. Appealing something like that makes the club look pathetic.”
The former Premier League and World Cup referee went further, questioning why Celtic believed there was even a case to answer.
“This is the problem with modern football,” he added. “Clubs appeal everything, hoping for a technical loophole or public pressure to do the work for them. Trusty knew exactly what he was doing. The referee got it right. VAR got it right. End of story.”
Clattenburg’s comments have gone viral, drawing strong reactions from fans on both sides of the Old Firm divide. While rival supporters echoed his remarks, many Celtic fans accused the ex-official of crossing the line with his language, even if they disagreed with the appeal.
From Celtic’s perspective, the red card came at a decisive moment. Leading Hearts 2–1 and under pressure, Trusty’s dismissal shifted momentum entirely, allowing Hearts to push forward and eventually snatch a late equaliser. The club believes the incident was a genuine attempt to play the ball and not worthy of a straight red.
However, Clattenburg dismissed that argument outright.
“At that speed, with that angle, you endanger the opponent,” he said. “That’s the law. Not my opinion, not the referee’s interpretation — the law.”
The SFA has yet to rule on Celtic’s appeal, but Clattenburg’s intervention has raised the stakes significantly. Should the appeal fail, it will add to the growing scrutiny around Celtic’s discipline issues and decision-making in high-pressure moments.
For now, what was meant to be a routine appeal has turned into a public relations disaster, with one of football’s most experienced referees delivering a verdict far harsher than any disciplinary panel ever could.
