Celtic blow two-goal lead against Inverness

Celtic wasted the chance to leapfrog Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premier League as they carelessly threw away a two-goal lead against Inverness to draw 2-2 at Parkhead.

Maltese international referee Chris Lautier and his assistants Philip Agius and Joe Camilleri were called to take charge of the Premier League match between St Johnstone and Hibernian after their initial assignment to take charge of the Scottish Cup third round replay between Beith and Airdrie was postponed due to heavy snow.

At Parkhead midfielder Ki Sung-yueng had given the home side the interval lead, substitute Paddy McCourt scored a wonderful solo second in the 65th minute which looked to have Celtic on easy street.

However, a lapse by Hoops defender Thomas Rogne five minutes later allowed Richie Foran to reduce the deficit before Grant Munro levelled from close range to keep Celtic two points behind their Old Firm rivals who have a game in hand.

Lautier could not have enjoyed a more comfortable afternoon as Hibernian and St Johnstone played out a dull goalless draw at Easter Road.

Portugal’s Cosme Machado had been due to take charge of the Easter Road clash to cover for striking Scottish referees but he returned to his home country shortly after arriving in Glasgow on Friday.

That prompted the Scottish FA to assign the match to Lautier and his assistants after their clash aty Beith’s Bellsdale Park was called off due to heavy overnight snow.

Lautier had no major decisions to make on a painless afternoon’s work that saw him keep his cards in his pocket.

His performance drew praise from St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes.

McInnes was pleased both teams showed an understanding of the situation and gave Lautier a straightforward afternoon at Easter Road.

Scottish officials opted to take industrial action due to the level of criticism and abuse that has been directed at them but McInnes hopes everyone associated with the game will refrain from targeting them in future.

He said: “I thought there was a respect and both teams showed a responsibility as well for the referee. If there is a plus with what has happened this week, I thought the players showed restraint and responsibility.

“We need to make sure that’s the same respect when our own guys come back next week.

“The referees made a point and they must have thought long and hard before doing it. They obviously felt they had to do it although I thought it was avoidable.

“Hopefully we can have more dialogue and more responsibility and more help towards them to make sure it does not happen again.”

Commenting on Lautier’s display against Hibs, McInnes added: “I think it’s always going to be difficult, it’s a difficult environment to come into but they can be pleased with their performance.

“I thought he carried an authority about him, there were no real contentious decisions.”

Meanwhile, the Alba Challenge Cup final between Ross County and Queen of the South was also postponed. Malta referee Marco Borg was due to take charge of the match along with Agius and Camilleri with Lautier acting as fourth official.

Scottish Premier

Celtic 2 - Inverness CT 2
Hamilton 0 - St Mirren 0
Hibernian 0 - St Johnstone 0
Kilmarnock 2 - Aberdeen 0

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