Arne Engels was struck near the end of a 3-0 Rangers win at Ibrox
Independent cousin
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Alistair Johnston called for caution and respect after his Celtic team-mate Arne Engels punched a coin late in the 3-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox.
There were no indoor rim enthusiasts in the stadium due to a dispute over ticket allocations and Parkhead’s replacement fell to the ground when he went to take a corner and had to remedy before resuming.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers confirmed after the match, which left his side 11 points clear of their Old Firm rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership, that Engels had been hit by a coin and the incident could land the Govan club in trouble with the authorities.
Canadian defender Johnston said: “I saw that he (Engels) hit the eye just above, and is an unfortunate situation.
“We’re just lucky that it didn’t hit him right in the eye. No other comment right now.
“I’ve played in other puts in Central America where they throw you more than coins. You feel pretty good here.
“Ideally, it is not necessary to launch anything to the field. Words and songs are transmitted, but everyone is expected to respect the players in the field, to play.
“I’m not aware (of anything else that has been launched), but unfortunately it’s something that happens.
“If that hits him in the eye then it’s probably a pretty serious matter but I would just caution everyone to be smart.
“It’s humans out there, someone’s son, so let’s refrain from chucking things at guys’ heads.”
Rodgers said: “Yes, (he is OK) thankfully – an inch lower, he would have been right in the eye.
“But, yes, I think he’s OK. It’s not obviously great for the game, but, yes, he’s OK.”
A Celtic spokesperson said later on Thursday night: “We, Police Scotland, are currently investigating two separate incidents.
“The repeated targeting of our players and our missiles is absolutely appalling and absolutely unacceptable. “
In the past, Rangers issued their own response, with a club spokesperson saying: “Rangers FC condemns this incident in the strongest terms imaginable.
“The club can confirm it will assist Police Scotland with their investigation.”
Pennsylvania
Join stimulating conversations and other independent readers and see their responses.
Arne Engelss was struck by a coin late on at Ibrox
Arne Engelss was struck by a coin late on at Ibrox
Refresh the page or navigate to some other page on the site to register for the update refresh your browser to log in