Celtic’s Tony Ralston on Aasgaard’s red card and harsh penalty to the Rangers | OneFootball

Anthony Ralston was involved in two big incidents in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final between Celtic and theRangers at Hampden yesterday afternoon…

Tony Ralston. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

The first was of course the sending off of theRangers winger Thelo Aasgaard was correctly shown a straight red card by referee Nick Walsh for a reckless challenged that endangered his opponent. Ralston took the impact on his upper thigh and that his shorts were ripped while blood was shown on the television images. No-one really could argue with this straight red decision, and very few have.

Ralston had his say in the media room at Hampden after the dust had settled on an entertaining, action packed cup tie with Celtic booking their place in the semi-final against St Mirren.

“First of all, it was high, I’ve got the cuts to prove it,” the Celtic and Scotland right-back said, as reported by STV Sport. “I’ve not seen it back personally, but I felt the force. You run the risk with a tackle like that, and the boy ran the risk. He got sent off, and that’s the decision that was made.

“He’s gone in with enough force to rip my shorts, so you can see how high it was. You need to compete in games like this, but you have to do it in a controlled manner,” Ralston said.

“When you go into these games, you need to understand that you must fight first of all. You need to win your first balls, your second balls, and you need to compete.

“That’s not about trying to hurt someone. It’s about showing fight for your team, pressing as a unit, and reacting when you lose the ball. Those are the basics that allow our forwards and talented players to go and do their job,” he said.

Tony Ralston. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

The second incident was the penalty awarded to theRangers after a shot touched Ralston’s elbow as he fell to the ground with his arms tucked in. The opinions on this one are split down the green and blur tribal lines but refereeing opinions and also neutral seem to reckon that the decision was very harsh indeed.

What you can say is that this handball rule seems to fluctuate from one controversy to another and no-one is entirely sure with the calls all saying that there is a need for consistency.

“I haven’t seen it back, but I’ve been told by some of the lads and staff that it was very harsh,” Ralston said, when he was asked about conceding the spot pick which allowed James Tavenrier to equalise for theRangers with ten minutes to play. “I tried to get my body in the way and kept my hands close to my chest,” he said.

“I thought I’d done everything right to avoid giving away a penalty. But the decision was made, it’s in the past. I’m just happy we won the game and we’re in the final.”

As Ralston was already on a yellow Michael Stewart on co-commentary duties on Premier Sports also though that the penalty was harsh but pointed out that as it spot kick was awarded then in his view there should have been a second yellow. Or perhaps he was merely posing the question why Ralston wasn’t sent off.

Former referee Bobby Madden, no friend of Celtic’s, cleared that one up by reminding us that the rule changed two years ago so handball-penalties are not now pubished with a yellow card. Thought Michael would have known that.

On the game itself, Ralston was pleased with the result and the Celtic performance. “I thought the boys were excellent in every department.”

The energy and intensity was certainly back in this Celtic performance and it was no surprise to Ralston as that was the instructions ahead of the game from the coaching staff and the captain.

“That was the message from the boys who’ve experienced it before, from Callum McGregor and the coaching staff. You compete first and foremost. You show that fight and desire to win the game. You earn the right to show your talent.

“We’ve got plenty of that in this squad, and now that we’ve got some confidence, that’s two wins in a row. We’ve won a massive game today, and we’ll look to keep that momentum going.

“I’m glad we’ve done it, we’ve won a semi-final, we’re into a final, and we’ll enjoy it. But we’ll refocus quickly. We’ve got a day off, then back to work on Thursday.”

Asked about working with Martin O’Neill in charge of the team, Ralston gave his own insight.

“Martin’s been great. He is full of energy, positivity and experience. He’s been in the game a long time, and he keeps reminding us of that. He’s been brilliant, as have the coaching staff who’ve come in with him. I’m delighted for them as much as for the players.”

Martin O’Neill, Interim Manager of Celtic, looks on during the Premier Sports Cup Semi Final match between Celtic and theRangers at Hampden Park on November 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Asked if he’d like Martin to get the job on a permanent basis Anthony Ralston wasn’t going to get involved in matters that aren’t his to make.

“That’s not my decision, but I’ve really enjoyed it since he’s come in. He’s been great for me and for the team.”

He was however more than willing to talk up young Callum Osmand who had a fairytale afternoon at Hampden, coming off the bench to net the third Celtic goal to end the tie as a contest in the second half of extra-time.

“Callum’s a young lad who works hard every day. He’s kept his head down, even though chances have been limited. He came into a big game today and made a difference.

Callum Osmand celebrates. Celtic v theRangers. Premier Sports Cup, semi final at Hampden. 2 November 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“KT did brilliantly to lash it across, and Cal was alert, and that’s what you need as a striker. He’s only young, he’ll learn as he goes on, but I’m delighted for him. Both Cal and Johnny Kenny work hard every day, and it’ll take them far.

“That’s what you need to do in your career,” Ralston said. “Stay professional, work hard every day, and take your chances when they come. That’s what I’m trying to do.”

Sound advice from a pro who is maximising his own career potential with those values and that’s why he’s playing for both Celtic and Scotland.

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Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

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