Chris Sutton believes Jayden Stockley’s actions did not deserve a red card despite ending Celtic ace Kieran Tierney’s participation in the Scottish Cup final prematurely.
Aberdeen forward Stockley caught Tierney in the mouth midway through the first half, leaving the 19-year-old with facial injuries that brought the game to a halt as he required treatment.
Tierney’s pain will have been short lived as Brendan Rodgers’s side earned a late 2-1 victory at Hampden Park, securing a superb treble in the former Liverpool manager’s first season in charge north of the border.
Replying to a fan on his personal Twitter account, former Hoops striker Sutton claimed 23-year-old Stockley had not done enough to earn his marching orders, stating that his challenge was “not on purpose”.
https://twitter.com/jpb59/status/868482148491251713
I don't think Stockley was red… Not on purpose… https://t.co/1HPfSc7wcS
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) May 27, 2017
Tierney was withdrawn in the 26th minute of the match at Hampden Park, replaced by Australia international Rogic before Stockley himself was substituted in the 63rd minute for Adam Rooney.
Goals from Stuart Armstrong and a late Tom Rogic strike earned Rodgers his third trophy since moving to Parkhead, after already winning the Scottish Premiership with a record points tally and the League Cup.
Despite winning all five of their encounters against Derek McInnes’ side this season, Celtic found themselves 1-0 down to Jonny Hayes’ ninth-minute opener before Armstrong equalised just two minutes later.
However, substitute Rogic scored in injury time to send the Celtic fans home happy, as he struck the decisive blow that saw the Hoops earn the 37th Scottish Cup of their history.
Scotland international Tierney has been one of Celtic’s best players this season despite breaking his ankle before the Christmas break. Making 41 appearances in all competitions, Tierney scored two goals and provided 12 assists.