ALISTAIR JOHNSTON stood up to a ‘racist’ tweet after his last Copa America outing.
But he was laid flat out in his next game at the tournament.
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The Canada cap clashed with Peru‘s Marcos Lopez during his side’s 1-0 win in the group stage of the all American tournament.
However the coming together WASN’T spotted by Guatemalan referee Mario Escobar – and no action was taken by VAR.
Yet replays show the Celtic man being HEADBUTTED by his opponent in the 39th minute flashpoint.
Jonathan David scored the second half winner for Jesse Marsch’s team who were beaten by reigning champions Argentina in their opening fixture.
But Johnston was on the receiving end of the off-the-ball incident near the touchline.
He’d chased a ball out for a goal-kick and run across the Feyenoord man who appears to flick out at the Hoops man.
The pair exchange words as they return to their positions but Lopez nods down and into Johnston’s face as he moves off, leaving the defender on the deck.
There was a red card later in the game – but it wasn’t for the violent incident just before half-time.
Lopez and Johnston have been in one another’s company last season – when Celtic and Feyenoord met in the Champions League.
One both occasions the home team won and Johnston starred at right-back – but sub Lopez played no part in either clash.
TSN Sports TV pundit Kevin Kilbane said: “It’s a clear and obvious error by the referee not seeing it.
“I can’t for the life of me understand why VAR made that call.
“It’s as clear a red card incident as you’ll see in soccer.
“Alistair Johnston doesn’t make an awful lot about it – but it’s a clear headbutt and red card.
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“Mouthing off and verbals constantly happens in the game. As soon as you put your head into another player’s head it’s a headbutt and a red card.
“People know what VAR is there for and understand how it works – this is the incident it’s there for that referees can and do miss.”
It’s the second controversy involving Canada at the Copa America.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
The national team issued a statement after their defeat to Argentina slamming derogatory comments made to players online.
And Johnston drew praise from many quarters when he stepped into the row himself in the aftermath.
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