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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Nir Bitton issues Celtic fan apology as defender delivers 'lost my head' Midtjylland red card incident verdict

Nir Bitton has offered an apology to Celtic fans after his moment of madness against Midtjylland

The Israel cap reacted angrily to a dive from Midtjylland man Anders Dreyer in the box, he petulantly pushed his rival the winger and waved his finger in his face.

After already being on a booking, referee Sandro Schärer produced the second yellow despite the theatrics of the Danish attacker.

Despite Dreyer later seeing red for the Danes in the Champions League qualifier, the raging reaction from the experienced utility man gave Ange Postecoglou a headache.

The Australian was forced to take off Liel Abada for defensive back-up option Dane Murray, with the debuting attacker impressing in the first half.

It also leaves the club short on centre-back options going into the second leg in Denmark.

But, in a post on Instagram, the 29-year-old gave his view on the early sending off.

He wrote: “This is my platform to speak and I just want to say sorry!

“I lost my head for a second and got punished for that…sorry again!”

At full-time, gaffer Postecoglou refused to blast Biitton for his reaction to the penalty claim.

He said: “I haven’t had a good look (at the red card) but obviously he’d already been booked so that gives the referee the opportunity if there’s another infringement to give another yellow card so it was disappointing.

“But more importantly the reaction of the players and the way they stood up and young Dane Murray coming in was fantastic. "

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