Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has said Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez was fortunate to avoid a red card following his first-half challenge on Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren during Sunday's Scottish Premiership clash at Celtic Park.
The Nigeria international avoided a second yellow card minutes after receiving his first when he stepped out of his defensive line and bundled Nygren over in an attempt to win back possession.
Despite the agitation from the Celtic players, referee John Beaton waved play on and judged that the Rangers defender had got the ball.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Sutton described the tackle as a reckless challenge and revealed that the Nigerian defender was lucky to avoid being sent off.
"That's a foul," Sutton said. "That's reckless. He's a lucky boy, he really is."
Despite being on a yellow card since the first half, Fernandez completed the entire duration of the match and avoided receiving a second yellow card.
Fernandez will now head to the national team camp, where he will join the Super Eagles ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying clashes against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Adeyemi Adewale
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