Conor Hazard haunted by Celtic red card howler as Helsinki debut put on hold by 'bad refereeing decision'

Celtic loanee Conor Hazard will miss out Helsinki's first game of the new campaign after a bizarre red card incident in the Glasgow Cup.

Referee Chris Gentles pointed to the spot during Hazard's run-out for Celtic B against Clyde in the friendly tournament, when former Bully Wee striker David Goodwillie took a tumble.

Hazard was deemed to have fouled Goodwillie inside the box and was sent off by the whistler, but replays showed that the limited contact was well outside of the area.

After being given his marching orders in November last year, the loanee will now miss his Helsinki's first game of the season against FC Honka.

The suspension from the Glasgow Cup has been carried over from Scottish FA to the Finish governing body, keeping Hazard in the stands for the opener.

Frustrated Hazard has hit out at the call that will keep the Northern Ireland cap out of the squad - having been Helsinki's first-choice throughout pre-season.

He explained to the club website: “The ban is due to a bad decision by a referee in Scotland, and unfortunately the ban is also in force in Finland, which I am not happy about at all. You just have to live with it."

Hazard made the move to Finland in search of first-team minutes with Joe Hart claiming the spot as Celtic's undisputed number one.

He is enjoying his time in the Nordic loan so far, adding: "It's been nice.

"I didn’t think I would adapt so well. The club has treated me great and the guys in the locker room are top guys. I have enjoyed every minute here so far."