Former English Premier League referee insists Celtic captain Scott Brown was deservedly sent off

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Former English Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher insists Don Robertson was right to send off Celtic captain Scott Brown.

Scotland midfielder Brown was show a straight red card for a robust tackle on Liam Boyce just moments after Alex Schalk dived to earn Ross County a converted penalty in Sunday’s controversial 2-2 draw.

Celtic are set to appeal the decision to allow the 31-year-old to be available for Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers but Gallagher reckons Brown was deservedly dismissed.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Scott goes through him. I fully accept that he’s frustrated after the penalty, which for me is 100 per cent not a penalty, I can see he is upset by the tackle on him (by Boyce) – I accept that.

“But it’s all come too quickly. There is no calming down period for him and unfortunately he’s made this tackle and everybody would agree it’s a red card.

“It’s just one of those things; it’s boiled up, it’s boiled up and it’s boiled up.

“Scott Brown, who is a great, great professional, a great leader and great captain, and he’s so angry about what’s happened and he’s made the tackle.

“The two or three minute period is what you remember that game for and it all stemmed from that one decision.”

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Hibs head coach Neil Lennon has jumped to the defence of Scott Brown – and insists his ‘performances and behaviour’ have been exemplary this season.

The Scotland skipper picked up his first red card of the season for going in late on Ross County’s Liam Boyce in Sunday’s controverial 2-2 draw.

With Celtic set to appeal the decision, Brown is set to face Rangers in Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final.

Lennon’s Hibs meet Aberdeen in the other semi-final and despite the weekend’s red card, the former Celtic manager insists he has been hugely impressed with Brown’s form under Brendan Rodgers.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Lennon said: “I think he was frustrated with the referee decision, I actually haven’t seen it.

“To be fair it’s not like Scott, his performances and behaviour have been exemplary this season, he’s set really good high standards.

“He just reacted obviously and he’s been punished for it.

“I’m sure he’s grateful he’s able to play in the game on Sunday because Celtic will need him – big occasion and you need you’re big players and he is certainly one of them.”