Liel Abada Celtic dive sets former SFA ref off as he demands RED CARD for blatant cheating

Raging former referee Des Roache reckons Liel Abada should receive a retrospective red card for diving in the Viaplay Cup final showdown with Rangers.

Ange Postecoglou's side were on course to win the first domestic silverware of the season when the flashpoint involving Abada occurred, as the Israel international looked to hit Rangers on the counter attack at Hampden to make it 3-1. The winger took on centre-back Ben Davies but fell to the ground at the edge of the box and threw up his arms to claim for a penalty.

However, referee Nick Walsh was unmoved by the spot kick claims and instead punished the 21-year-old with a booking for simulation. Former whistler Roache backed up Walsh's decision, as he admitted the official applied the correct punishment for the incident, but reckons the SFA must take a hardline stance over the dive by disciplining the winger post-match.

Discussing the Celtic flashpoint, Roache told Grosvenor Sport said: "It’s a bug-bear of mine and I will be consistent. He should be given a retrospective red card for cheating He knew what he was doing and you could see how sheepish he looked when Nick Walsh brought out the yellow card, which is the current tariff for this offence. I really hate simulation and I think the only way you are going to get rid of blatant cheating is to make it a red card offence.”

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