Celtic boss Ronny Deila has criticised Nir Bitton after the Israeli was sent off in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Partick Thistle.

The midfielder was booked for a foul in the 61st minute of the clash and committed another poor tackle before eventually being given his marching orders for a barge on Gary Miller seven minutes later.

Luckily for Bitton, substitute Leigh Griffiths spared both his and his side’s blushes with a stoppage-time winner to allow the Bhoys to extend their lead at the top of the standings.

The result ended a two-game run without a victory for the Hoops and will give them extra confidence heading into next Sunday’s Scottish Cup tie against Stranraer.

They will be without Bitton for that match though, with the Israeli set to sit out the game through suspension following his second red card of the campaign, following his previous sanction against Molde in November.

Although Deila believes the red card was somewhat soft, he says the player should never have got himself involved in the situation.

However, the Norwegian believes Saturday’s dismissal will stand Bitton in good stead going forward and is hopeful that the precocious playmaker will learn from the experience.

“I think it was very easy, I don’t think it was a red card,” Deila said. “Having said that, it was also a little bit stupid because there was an incident before that.

“I don’t think that was a yellow card either and then the other one, those two together made the decision for the referee. I think it was inexperience and something he needs to learn from.”