Celtic man takes exception to Rangers narrative - 'that's not the kind of human I am'

Celtic defender Auston Trusty has defended himself against accusations that he should have been sent off for catching Jack Butland on the head during Sunday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final victory over Rangers.

The USA international was shown a yellow card by referee Nick Walsh on the stroke of half-time when his boot made contact with Butland after the ball had been gathered by the Rangers goalkeeper, with VAR official Matthew MacDermid determining that the incident did not warrant further punishment.

Celtic were leading 1-0 at the time, with Rangers down to 10-man after midfielder Thelo Aasgaard was given his marching orders for a high challenge on Anthony Ralston earlier in the half.

Celtic defender Auston Trusty catches Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland in the head at the end of the first half at Hampden. | SNS Group

Rangers issued a statement earlier this week claiming they had "concerns about the consistency of refereeing in Scottish football" after being left "unsatisfied" by the Scottish Football Association explanation over why Trusty avoided a red card. Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon also admitted Trusty was "very lucky" to remain on the park while Butland himself has stated it was "a difficult one to accept".

However, Celtic's 27-year-old centre-back insisted there was no force in the challenge, claiming he merely "tapped" the Rangers number one, and pointed to the fact that he immediately offered his apologies.

"I was just trying to get the ball," Trusty said. "The ref called for a yellow, then VAR checked it and it was a yellow. Then we just got on with it. I haven't really thought too much about it.

"I tapped him. I didn't boot him in the head. I didn't actually mean, you could see my demeanour and my reaction to tapping him on the head. No, I didn't think it was anything. I just obviously apologised.

Celtic defender Auston Trusty has pleaded his innocence amid accusations that he should have been red carded against Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final. | SNS Group

"No one means to boot somebody in the head or kick somebody in the head. I obviously tapped him on the head and that's all it was. I didn't really think anything much of it. I was apologetic and you see my hand to him saying I'm sorry.

"No matter rivalry or whatever it is, that's not the kind of human I am."

Celtic went on to claim a 3-1 victory after extra-time and Trusty suggested that the outcome may have influenced how the incident has been portrayed afterwards.

"I think no matter whatever side has a positive result, the other side's going to say whatever and it's just how football works in this country and from this rivalry," he added. "I don't think you can really escape that."