Scott Brown has accused Craig Levein of getting his way as the Celtic midfielder was booked for his first challenge in Saturday’s game against Kilmarnock.
The 32-year-old made the stunning accusation that the Hearts’ manager was responsible for him being booked early in Saturday’s game, after Levein publicly criticised the midfielder’s tackle on Harry Cochrane.
“He has done his job, hasn’t he?” said Brown, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
“I was booked with my first foul and I think that is exactly what Craig was looking to do.”
Celtic went on to lose 1-0 to Kilmarnock to record only their second league defeat of the season.
Brown was also booked in the Hoops’ previous game against Levein’s side, and it was an incident in that game that caused the Hearts manager to speak out against the Hoops midfielder.
Harry Cochrane broke his collarbone after being tackled by Brown, and Levein suggested referees start protecting players from the Celtic midfielder.
“I think everybody should get a little bit more protection from Scott Brown,” said the Hearts manager, as quoted by the Daily Record.
Brown has regularly featured for the Hoops this season, making 39 appearances across all competitions.
OPINION
Brown is completely out of order to suggest that Levein was trying to get the midfielder booked more. The Hearts manager was clearly upset that his 16-year-old midfielder suffered a horrible injury, and it’s unlikely that he wanted referees to start targeting the midfielder. While it’s true Levein suggested referees need to protect players from Brown, it was just a reaction that the manager had in the moment. Also Brown’s yellow card against Kilmarnock was much deserved as his challenge warranted a booking, and he would have received a card whether Levein had made his comments or not. Brown should just accept that he deserved his yellow card and not blame someone else his poor disciplinary record.