By Alan Hutton

29th Sep, 2023 | 7:00am

Pundit drops Joe Hart 'assault' claim as Celtic footage analysed

Joe Hart’s challenge on Mo Sangare when Celtic faced Livingston on Saturday (23 September) was “bordering on assault”.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Rangers defender Alan Hutton insisted losing Joe Hart for their upcoming league game against Motherwell is a big blow given the defensive injuries.

As shown on Sky Sports (23 September), the Hoops shot stopper was shown a straight red card following a collision with Sangare just outside the penalty area.

Hart came out to try and win the ball as the Livingston attacker appeared to be through on goal but completely took out the player.

VAR officials checked the incident but did not feel the referee had made a clear and obvious error and the former England international was red carded for the first time in his career.

When asked what he made of the challenge, Hutton told Football Insider: “It was bordering on assault.

“You understand what is happening, he is running in and trying to play the ball. He mistimes it and Sangare gets there just ahead of him so there is going to be a collision. It was the right decision.

“It is definitely a blow for Celtic with the defenders that they have got injured and now their number one goalkeeper out.“

The 36-year-old has been the number one choice between the sticks at Parkhead since his arrival in 2021.

Hart has made 112 appearances across all competitions for the Hoops ahead of his current contract expiring next summer.

In other news, Kieran Maguire shares verdict on Celtic fan anger after £70m reveal.