Some were expecting Kasper Schmeichel to be shown a red card during Celtic’s Champions League play-off second leg tie vs Kairat Almaty.
Celtic got themselves into trouble when captain Callum McGregor’s pass back to Schmeichel proved to be awkward for the goalkeeper, who subsequently punched the ball away twice.
Referee Maurizio Mariani blew to award Kairat a free-kick inside the box but there was some confusion when no card was shown to the Denmark international.
Thankfully, former FIFA and UEFA referee Mark Clattenburg explained to 67 Hail Hail the reason why the Hoops goalkeeper was allowed to stay on the pitch.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesMark Clattenburg on Kasper Schmeichel back pass
After watching the decision back, Clattenburg explained that the reason why Schmeichel wasn’t cautioned was due to the laws of the game stating that back passes go unpunished.
He told 67 Hail Hail: “A goalkeeper handling a deliberate back-pass (a kick from a teammate) is punished by an indirect free kick only for the opposing team. The ‘back-pass rule’ applies specifically to deliberate kicks or throws by a teammate; passes made using the head, chest, or knee are permitted.
“In the situation involving Kasper Schmeichel in the match v Kairat Almaty, he deliberately touched the ball with his hands after a pass from his teammate Callum McGregor.
“The referee decision to award an indirect free kick is correct and there is no caution as the offence allows only an indirect free kick only.”
Kasper Schmeichel continues to be reliable for Celtic
Even at the age of 38, Schmeichel continues to be the one between the sticks for Celtic.
He was able to pull off a string of important saves in Almaty and has been pretty much faultless since joining in 2024.
The time for him to be replaced is sooner rather than later but for now, he’s still Mr Reliable.