James McFadden says David Turnbull was fortunate not to be sent off during Celtic’s 1-1 draw against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Wednesday night.
The 21-year-old has been one of the few positives in a miserable season, turning in a series of impressive performances after forcing his way into the team in December.
He let his frustration get the better of him against the Dons however, lashing out at former Celtic man Dylan McGeough late on.
In front of referee Willie Collum, the midfielder kicked his opponent and was shown a yellow card.
Former Everton and Scotland star McFadden, however, believes it could easily have been a red.
Speaking on BBC Scotland’s Sportscene, he said: ”I think David does go to have a kick and then sweeps Dylan McGeouch. He’s taken a huge risk.
“I don’t buy into this ‘he’s not that type of player’ stuff, but I think it sums up Celtic that it’s the most composed player that loses his cool at something that is uncharacteristic.
“I think you are running a huge risk doing that in front of the referee.”
Celtic were 1-0 down at the time of the flashpoint thanks to Lewis Ferguson’s goal after 17 minutes, but substitute Leigh Griffiths secured a point for the visitors deep into injury time.
It was Hoops captain Scott Brown’s final appearance at Pittodrie as a Celtic player before joining Aberdeen as player-coach this summer.
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