We somehow doubt this image will be as iconic as Vinnie Jones’ infamous grab on Paul Gascoigne
Eboue Kouassi definitely felt the effects of Steven MacLean’s attempt at making his presence felt in the first half of Sunday’s Scottish League Cup clash between Hearts and Celtic.
With Celtic defending a corner at Murrayfield, MacLean reached back and grabbed a handful of Eboue’s privates and as many will understand, the Celtic midfielder couldn’t have hit the deck any quicker.
MacLean protested his innocence but the damage was done and Kouassi was replaced by Scott Sinclair shortly afterwards.
https://twitter.com/SaulAnderson1/status/1056545680108515333
It was an afternoon to forget for Kouassi, who had picked up a knock earlier in the match after landing awkwardly when going up for a header.
It’s unknown whether that injury or the one sustained whilst marking MacLean was the one which ultimately rendered the Celtic man unable to continue but he was clearly struggling to get around the pitch.
MacLean had already been booked for a challenge on Mikael Lustig when he treated himself to a handful of Kouassi but the latter incident was missed by the referee.
The Hearts captain could well face retrospective punishment if the incident is reviewed by the Scottish FA.
