Philippe Clement claims “all of Europe” has been talking about the controversial no-penalty decision in the League Cup final, while Brendan Rodgers says it is “always talked about” after the Celtic v Rangers match. I believe there is.
The Scottish FA’s referees chairman, Willie Collum, admitted on Thursday that the Light Blues were denied a legal spot-kick against Celtic at Hampden Park, calling the role of VAR Alan Muir and his assistant Frank Connor in the decision “really poor”. It was described as “unacceptable”. .
With Sunday’s game level at 3-3 in extra-time, referee John Beaton awarded a foul when Celtic defender Liam Scales tackled Gers winger Vaclav Cerny just outside the Hoops’ box.
Despite television replays and a VAR review showing the infringement was inside the penalty area, the on-field decision was not changed and Celtic went on to win 5–4 in a penalty shoot-out, even after a free-kick was ruled out.
Rangers manager Clement spoke of a moment that will “stay in our heads for the rest of our lives” as he looks to make the transition to league business.
“It’s difficult because after the game you feel like the rules of the game are not being followed,” the Belgian player said.
“There are often gray areas in decision-making. This time there were no gray areas at all. That was very clear to everyone.
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The latest from Ibrox with Sky Sports News’ Gordon Duncan after Colum admits Rangers should have been awarded a penalty against Celtic in the League Cup final
“And there is no one in the world who has a different opinion on that.
“It was great that Willie Collum had transparency and openness and honesty about what happened and his thoughts about the situation. He was really clear about that.
“It doesn’t help the result in the end because it’s a game-defining moment, but we appreciate the honesty and everyone at the club wants Willie to be at the top and not alone in his fight to set better standards. ” The SFA has the same ambition to improve the situation. This cannot happen. Because not only would Rangers lose a game like that, it would be really bad advertising for Scottish football.
“And the whole of Europe has been talking about what happened in this final and it’s a shame, because two good teams had everything every fan wants in a game, quality, intensity, ruthlessness and everything.
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Scottish FA CEO Ian Maxwell is discussing Sunday’s League Cup final and Rangers’ claim that Celtic’s Liam Scales fouled Vaclav Cerny.
“And there was a lot more talk about the moment that decided the game, so it’s a shame for Scottish football.”
“But it’s really important to stop thinking about that now because we have a very important game against Dundee tomorrow (Saturday) and that’s what I’m looking for as a player this week. “I can’t keep thinking about what happened because this is what I talked about.”
“We now have to focus on what we have done and do that against Dundee and get the three points.
“We don’t have the luxury of letting other people stay in those (last) moments.
“The fans have this opportunity, they can do that, but I also want them to see how hard this team is working, what they are doing on the pitch and support them like they have done brilliantly in the last few games.”
“And that doesn’t change because of what happened in the final.”
Rodgers: There’s always a story.
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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers discusses the aftermath of Sunday’s League Cup final win over Rangers, the failure to award a penalty to their rivals, human error via VAR and his domestic treble target.
Brendan Rodgers says there is “always talk” after Old Firm matches, but insists his side are just focused on winning and continuing their success.
The Celtic manager has now been in the dugout for 20 games against Rangers and has lost just one.
“I always feel like there’s some kind of story after every game,” he said.
“Whether it should have been a penalty, a red card or even a penalty for being offside! There is always something in the narrative.
“I can understand why you would look at it. When I look at it and evaluate it, I think the image I saw would have been given for an initial foul that was clearly not on the line, but of course it goes on and on to the penalty aspect.
Celtic defeated Rangers to win the League Cup.
“The bottom line is, whatever happens in the game, you have to get on with it.
“For us we can only control what we can do and that was to go on and win games. There is always something after a Celtic Rangers game.
“I think it has always been recognized that even with VAR, human error can occur.
“The players are not machines. They are looking at a more calm stance rather than the pressure of the game, but it is still about interpretation.
“One of the VAR officers felt that the first foul occurred independently of the incident as it unfolded.
“That’s his professional opinion as a public servant. There will always be an element of human error, sometimes it’s good for you and sometimes it’s against you.”
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