DERMOT GALLAGHER has backed the decision to send Callum McGregor off against Motherwell.

The former whistler reckons John Beaton made the correct call at Parkhead.

McGregor was shown a straight red card for hauling down Ross Tierney in the 2-1 win.

Ange Postecoglou had suggested his side had a covering player and rule out a straight red.

But Beaton was quick to flash a straight red - but it didn't impact the final result.

Speaking on Sky Sports former referee Gallagher analysed the incident and agreed with Beaton that the foul warranted a red card.

He insisted the Celtic captain tugged back the Motherwell player and ruled the full-back 'covering' could not prevent a goal-scoring opportunity.

Explaining his thoughts on the decision, he said: "If you show when Callum actually tugs him back, the full-back on the far side won't get there because there's a lot of distance between them.

"All (Tierney's) got to do is go on one yard and chip Joe Hart."

Postecoglou had commented: "It's hard to say.

"From my angle I thought we had a covering player.

"The referee's made that decision so we've just got to cop it."