Celtic bucking the trend of “physical” Scottish clubs with lowest foul count in Champions League

BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport

CELTIC are belying the tough-tackling image of Scottish football after it was revealed that the Hoops have committed fewer fouls than ANY other team in the Champions League.

Heading into tonight’s crunch clash with Barcelona, Brendan Rodgers’ side have fallen foul of the officials just 31 times in their three Group C fixtures.

That is the best disciplinary record in the competition, with only PSV Eindhoven even coming close, with 33 fouls to their name.

By comparison, tonight’s opponents Barca have committed 49 fouls, while elsewhere in the Hoops’ section, Borussia Monchengladbach (39) and Manchester City (50), have been guilty of far more indiscretions.

Celtic’s modest foul count is underlined by the fact that only Scott Brown, Emilio Izaguirre and Kieran Tierney have been booked in the group phase, ensuring none of Rodgers’ charges are in danger of incurring a suspension with a caution tonight.