Toyosi Olusanya Celtic red card splits the pundits as Chris Sutton defends striker who almost 'took Joe Hart's head off'

Former Celtic hero Chris Sutton has launched a defence of Toyosi Olusanya after the St Mirren star saw red against the Scottish champions.

It was already looking like an uphill battle for Stephen Robinson's side with Daizen Maeda and Matt O'Riley netting two early goals in Paisley - but the Scottish Premiership clash was all-but over when the striker was shown a straight red card after the referee was sent to the monitor the incident by the VAR team. Just before the half-time break the attacker attempted to rescue the game as he lunged for the ball in the six-yard box - but caught Joe Hart in the face as the St Mirren man threw himself at the ball.

But Sutton would not be convinced on commentary for Sky as he mounted a defence of Olusanya after he was given his marching orders. Sutton said: 'It's a genuine attempt to score a goal. Joe Hart has thrown himself and that's an accident - it is just a coming together, badly, but these things happen. He is going to go though. Sometimes in football there are accidents. Joe Hart is committed, and Olusanya is trying to score. What is he supposed to do, not try and score?"

Back back in the studio, the three-panel team gave a very different view. Former Celtic skipper Scott Brown said at half-time: "To be fair, he can attempt to try and win the ball but that is a straight red. He has kicked him in the face. I know it's part of the parcel of the game but that is a red card all day long."

Kris Boyd followed up: "I think in 2024 you are not going to get away with it. You have got to go an challenge for it but he nearly takes Joe Hart's head off."

James McFadden followed up: "It's a red card. Whether it's a genuine attempt for the ball or not, he catches Joe Hart with his studs."