Nakamura Wins PK, Checks Video To See If He Was Fouled.

By: chris | September 23rd, 2008

It was a good win for Celtic over the weekend against Kilmarnock, but it didn’t come without some controversy. They were comfortably leading 2-0 in the 80th minute when Shunsuke Nakamura was tackled from behind by what looked to be the ghost of Christmas past, resulting in a penalty. Frazer Wright, the guilty party (up for debate_, didn’t like Nakamura’s antics so much and gave him a good old fashioned slap upside the head immediately afterward, which will probably result in a slap upside his wallet. But even better than the controversy was Nakamura’s defense of himself.

When asked about the foul, he said:

“’I know it looked like there may have been diving when I won the penalty kick,” he said. “But I checked the video and clearly the defender fouled me.”

I can’t make a definitive decision on whether or not he was fouled, but admitting there’s wiggle room and being forced to check the video probably doesn’t make for an airtight defense.

The penalty starts around the 8:40 mark with the head tousling and all. Good stuff.

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Category: Scottish Premier League, World Football

Tags: Celtic, dive, Frazer Wright, Japan, Kilmarnock, penalty, Scotland, Scottish Premier League, Shunsuke Nakamura, World Football

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• Matt |  September 24th, 2008 at 6:20 am

  
  
  

  The amazing part of all this was that it was Mike McCurry, who is well known in Scotland to *ahem* “favor” Rangers in this type of situation, gave the close penalty. I think Celtic’s stream of the game on Channel 67 had a reverse angle that showed Wright holding his jersey on the other side, enough so to cause Naka to fall. Don’t hold his jersey, if you don’t want a penalty.

  Posted from United States

  

• Sooty |  September 25th, 2008 at 4:59 am

  
  
  

  So, Nakamura had to check the video to see if he was fouled. Well, I was at the game and I can categorically state that he wasn’t.

  However, McCurry may be a supporter of the other team from the sectarian divide, but he is nicknamed “The Bishop” for all the shocking decisions he has given to Celtic against Kilmarnock alone. He typifies what is wrong with Scottish football.

  Posted from United Kingdom

  

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