BRENDAN RODGERS has slammed Graeme Shinnie’s embarrassing “dive” that persuaded referee Willie Collum to gift Aberdeen a penalty-kick in Celtic’s dramatic 4-3 triumph at Pittodrie, as CQN reported yesterday.
Sam Cosgrove swept in the award for his team’s second strike from the spot – Stevie May had scored from an earlier one – but a hat-trick from Scott Sinclair and one from impressive substitute Odsonne Edouard made certain the champions would remain at the Premiership pinnacle.
Blundering match official Collum pointed to the spot for a second time in the 83rd minute when Shinnie took off in theatrical fashion after minimal contact from Mikael Lustig.
Rodgers said: “I’m disappointed with their second penalty.
“I think Graeme will look at that and maybe put himself forward for the diving team for that one. It was a good dive.”
Cosgrove’s well-struck effort made it 2-2 before the champions replied with a two-goal salvo from Edouard and Sinclair.
The Hoops boss praised the 20-year-old French ace for his impact from the bench when he came on as a 70th-minute sub for Callum McGregor.
He added: “I think he did great when he came on.
“Our idea was to have a loose player like Ryan Christie, to give that fourth man in midfield because Aberdeen like to man-mark.
“Our first goal comes from exactly that. Having Odsonne come into it, he did exceptional when he came on, a great finish and great for Scotty’s hat-trick goal.”
Celtic are in good shape as they prepare to take on Steven Gerrard’s team at Ibrox on Saturday. The Liverpool legend saw his side held to a 1-1 draw with Hibs in Glasgow yesterday when their former player Darren McGregor claimed a late leveller for Neil Lennon’s visitors.
Rodgers’ men are now three points ahead with a game in hand with the opportunity to extend it to six before the winter break.
