Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann has launched a scathing attack on Scottish Premiership officiating, claiming referees “just make up the number” for added time. His comments follow a dramatic afternoon at Rugby Park where Celtic struck in the 97th minute to secure a 3-2 comeback victory.
The former Rangers winger was left incredulous when seven minutes were added to the clock at the end of the 90, providing the window for Julian Araujo to smash home a winner that keeps Martin O’Neill’s side firmly in the title hunt.
“A Bit of Brilliance” and a Bitter Pill
Killie had looked well on their way to a famous win after a dominant first half. Tyreece John-Jules—the midweek hat-trick hero—and Joe Hugill fired the hosts into a 2-0 lead, leaving the league champions reeling at the break.
However, O’Neill’s halftime tactical shifts sparked a second-half resurgence. Sebastian Tounekti pulled one back before Benjamin Nygren levelled the scoring at 2-2. Despite the pressure, McCann felt his side had done enough to earn a point until Araujo’s late intervention.
“I’m angry, of course I am,” McCann admitted. “I’m not quite sure where they get seven minutes from – they just make it up these days. But nonetheless, we still have to manage that. The anger comes from not seeing that out.”
Defensive Lapses and the Relegation Scrap
While the clock was a major point of contention for McCann, he was equally frustrated by his side’s failure to deal with the late threat. For the second game in a row, Kilmarnock struggled with “second balls bouncing in the box,” a defensive fragility that has now cost them vital points in their bid to climb out of the play-off spot.
With Celtic closing the gap at the top to just three points behind leaders Hearts, the result leaves Kilmarnock looking over their shoulders as they prepare for a daunting trip to face the champions again in the coming weeks.
🗣️ NEIL MCCANN: RIGHT OR WRONG?
Neil McCann’s “made up time” comments have already sparked a huge debate. We want to know your side:
- Were 7 minutes of added time justified at Rugby Park?
- Is McCann right to be ‘raging’ at the officials, or should the blame lie with his defenders?
Have your say in the comments below! 👇
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
