Benjamin Nygren’s challenge during Celtic’s dramatic 3-2 Europa League victory over Beşiktaş has prompted a red-card complaint on Turkish social media, despite the midfielder being shown a yellow card by the referee.

The incident happened in the 60th minute, with Celtic trailing 1-0 at Parkhead.

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Referee Sascha Stegemann immediately penalised the Celtic midfielder and produced a yellow card.

However, Turkish X account IN A GAMING (@inasosyal) subsequently highlighted the incident, suggesting Beşiktaş had been expecting a sending-off.

🔴 Beşiktaş’ın kırmızı kart beklediği sert pozisyon. https://t.co/CmgCxxCN2p

— IN A GAMING (@inasosyal) November 5, 2026

There is an important detail missing from any suggestion that Nygren should automatically have been dismissed.

VAR was in operation at Celtic Park, and potential straight-red-card offences fall within its remit.

Under the protocol, those incidents are automatically checked for a clear and obvious error or a serious missed offence.

There was no on-field review of Nygren’s challenge and no intervention to upgrade his booking to a red card.

That does not mean every observer has to agree with the referee’s judgement. However, a raised boot or an untidy challenge does not automatically warrant a sending-off.

Officials must consider the nature of the contact and the force involved before deciding whether a challenge crosses the threshold for serious foul play.

Stegemann judged Nygren’s tackle worthy of a yellow card, and that decision stood.

The challenge came at a difficult point in the evening for Martin O’Neill’s side.

Junior Olaitan had put Beşiktaş ahead six minutes earlier, following up after Sam Johnstone saved his penalty.

But Celtic were about to transform the match.

O’Neill introduced Callum Osmand, Camilo Durán and Colby Donovan in the 61st minute.

Osmand equalised with his first touch before supplying the pass for Durán to put Celtic ahead.

Beşiktaş captain Orkun Kökçü struck a late equaliser, only for Durán to score again almost immediately and secure a 3-2 victory.

Nygren remained on the pitch after his booking, but the comeback was driven by O’Neill’s substitutes.

Beşiktaş may have wanted a different disciplinary decision. The referee made his call, VAR did not intervene, and Celtic went on to win a remarkable European contest.

The bigger talking point at Celtic Park was not Nygren’s booking but the immediate impact of Osmand and Durán, who turned a frustrating night into one of Celtic’s most entertaining European victories in recent times.