Celtic star Christie sent off for horror foul in shock 2-0 defeat to Livingston

RYAN CHRISTIE was red carded for a crazy lunge on Livingston midfielder Scott Robinson as Celtic slumped to a 2-0 defeat at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

The 24-year-old’s moment of madness came in the 25th minute, leaving his team-mates having to battle with the combative Lions a man down for most of the match.

And fittingly it was Robinson himself who dusted himself down to give Livi the lead two minutes into the second half.

Lyndon Dykes 73rd minute effort then ended Celtic’s hopes of getting back into the game and sealed a famous victory for Gary Holt’s side – their first ever triumph over Celtic.

After the match pundit Andy Walker, previously a combative player himself, was scathing of Christie’s challenge that lead to his dismissal.

He said on Sky Sports: “It’s a stupid challenge. It’s out of character but it absolutely merits a red card.

“Ryan Christie isn’t that type of player, but that’s a serious offence.

“He’s on the lunge, he’s high… he’s endangering his opponent.”

Walker’s fellow Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd was equally scathing in his assessment.

He said at half time: “Scott Robinson is lucky he’s still out on that pitch.

“It’s out of character but for me it’s frustrating. Celtic haven’t got going in this game at all and full credit to Livingston.”

Remarkably, however, Scotland legend James McFadden was sceptical of the decision.

He told the BBC: “If he’s hit Robinson right on the shin then it’s probably the right decision. But it didn’t look like Christie was going to smash him.”

The Scotland international has become a key player at Celtic since returning from his loan spells at Aberdeen and has already notched 11 goals from midfield this season.

He’ll now link up with Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for matches against Russia and San Marino.

But the Hoops’ number 17 will miss Celtic’s home clashes with Ross County and St Mirren – as well as a potentially tricky trip to Derek McInnes’ Aberdeen.