After yet another lesson in Scottish brutality, Adam Idah has been forced to withdraw from Ireland’s squad for the Nations League matches against Finland and England.

In his last three domestic games, the Celtic striker has been on the receiving end of savage attacks from Liam Gordon and Joe Wright, with three out of four of Scotland’s top officials happy to hand out a yellow card as punishment.

Yesterday, after just 11 minutes, Wright threw his elbow at Idah as the players prepared for a Kilmarnock free-kick. Nick Walsh witnessed, awarded Celtic a free-kick and Wright a yellow card, Don Robertson presumably carried out a VAR review as the decision was not appealed.

After four minutes of treatment, Idah continued, below his best and being substituted in the 63rd^st minute, the former Norwich City man withdrew from the Ireland squad for two matches today.

Kilmarnock v Celtic red card incidents:

Wright swinging his elbow hurting Idah.

Donnelly swinging his elbow at Schmeichel.

Ralston delivers a high boot to the face.

I hate the high attack on Killie player. pic.twitter.com/SysvBmwhj7

– Lint (@Zeshankenzo) November 11, 2024

Three weeks earlier, David Dickinson was culpable, watching Liam Gordon stamp on Idah’s ankle in stoppage time and issue a yellow card.

With the game done and dusted, Alan Muir stepped in to suggest a review, allowing Dickinson to go red, showing he will make big decisions against Celtic’s opponents.

If Gordon turned his brutal challenge up to 11^th minute, he probably would have gone down with just one reservation.

Fortunately for Walsh, Robertson and Dickinson, Michael Nicholson will take absolutely no action as he watches a £9m asset damaged in black and blue and officials unwilling to enforce the Laws of the Game.

Unless it’s Yang Hyun-jun who can expect a yellow card to be upgraded to red when Robertson and John Beaton’s teams are up and running.

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