Brendan Rodgers made use of lesser-known rule that allowed him to make six Celtic substitutions

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers sparked fears among supporters that he had made one too many substitutions during the Hoops’ 3-0 win over St. Mirren.

With the chance to put four points between themselves and fierce rivals Rangers, it was an understandably cagey first half at Celtic Park. However, second-half goals from Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah ensured the victory and boosted their title hopes in the process.

That’s not to say the second half went off without a hitch, as fans tried to frantically warn the home dug-out they were making a key admin error when they saw James Forrest readying himself to enter the fray with 10 minutes still to play.

By the time he did come on, Forrest became the 17th Celtic player to take part in this contest – the sixth substitute for the home side. Before him, Stephen Walsh was brought on before a quadruple switch that saw all four of Idah, Luis Palma, Paulo Bernardo and Callum McGregor take to the pitch.

Fans were left confused, given the rules in the SPL are the same as the Premier League. That means five changes at three intervals, but that does not include half-time.

However, those fears can be eased by the fact that Rodgers was acting well within the rules and Celtic will face no punishment. St. Mirren did something similar, bringing on five subs at four different intervals, including half-time.

The visitors used a concussion sub after Elvis Bwomono was withdrawn and replaced by Ryan Strain after a clash of heads. Given his substitution was allowed but outside of the usual remit, Celtic were permitted an extra change themselves to ensure it remained equal.

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers brought James Forrest on as his sixth sub against St. Mirren

Brendan Rodgers took advantage of a little-known rule

After a trial phase three years ago, all 42 SPFL teams accepted the rule change. It now states: “A concussion substitution may be made regardless of the number of substitutes already used.

“When a head injury is sustained or suspected, the team may either use one of their existing substitutes, if the maximum permitted number have not been used, or make an additional concussion substitute. When a concussion substitute is used, the opposing team has the option to use an additional substitute for any reason.”

As aforementioned, Celtic are now four points clear at the top of the SPL. With that being said, Rangers still have control of their own fate, given they boast two games in hand over Rodgers’ side.

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