Rangers’ emphatic 3-0 victory over Celtic in the latest Old Firm derby at Ibrox has been accompanied by significant controversy over officiating decisions, which have now been addressed by the Scottish FA’s Key Match Incident panel. The panel, assembled to evaluate contentious moments during the game, has given unanimous backing to referee Don Robertson and VAR official Nick Walsh for their handling of three key incidents that sparked debate among fans, pundits, and even the managers.
The Match Summary
The victory was a landmark moment for Rangers boss Philippe Clement, who secured his first Old Firm triumph since taking charge. Goals from Ianis Hagi, Robin Propper, and Danilo not only sealed the win but also reduced Celtic’s lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to 11 points. While the result was celebrated by the Light Blues, the match was overshadowed by several contentious decisions made by the officials, which Brendan Rodgers and many Celtic fans found frustrating.
Key Controversial Incidents
- Alistair Johnston’s Collision with Ianis Hagi
Early in the first half, Ianis Hagi went to ground after an apparent collision with Celtic’s Alistair Johnston. The incident occurred as Johnston’s forearm appeared to catch the Rangers forward in the face. Rangers manager Philippe Clement immediately called for a red card, citing serious foul play. However, referee Don Robertson chose not to penalize Johnston, and the VAR team, led by Nick Walsh, declined to intervene.
The Scottish FA panel reviewed the incident and provided a statement, unanimously supporting Robertson’s on-field decision and the lack of action from VAR. Their conclusion was that the contact was not deliberate or violent enough to warrant a red card.
- Nicolas Kuhn’s Bloody Injury
Another flashpoint occurred when Celtic forward Nicolas Kuhn was left bloodied following a clash with Rangers left-back Jefte. The incident, which saw Jefte’s arm inadvertently strike Kuhn, led to a heated reaction from the Celtic camp. Despite the visible injury, Robertson and VAR decided that the contact was accidental, and no action was taken against Jefte.
Once again, the Key Match Incident panel reviewed the incident and unanimously upheld the original decision, asserting that the collision did not constitute a foul or warrant disciplinary action.
- Kyogo Furuhashi’s Disallowed Goal
Perhaps the most controversial moment of the match came when Kyogo Furuhashi thought he had scored for Celtic. The forward volleyed the ball past Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly, seemingly giving Celtic a lifeline. However, VAR intervened and ruled the goal out for an offside infringement. The decision was met with outrage by the Celtic fans and coaching staff.
The Scottish FA panel reviewed the incident and backed the VAR decision, stating that the offside call was correct based on the positioning of Furuhashi and other players at the time of the pass.
The Panel’s Findings
In all three cases, the Key Match Incident panel unanimously agreed with the decisions made by referee Robertson and VAR official Walsh. Their findings have been published to provide transparency and clarity, but the rulings have not quelled the backlash, particularly from Celtic supporters, who believe the decisions unfairly impacted the outcome of the game.
Fallout and Reactions
While Rangers fans have celebrated a comprehensive and much-needed victory, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed frustration with the officiating. He questioned the consistency of decisions and called for improvements in refereeing standards in the Scottish Premiership. On the other hand, Philippe Clement praised his team’s performance and downplayed the controversies, focusing on the importance of the three points in their bid to chase Celtic at the top of the table.
The debate over these incidents highlights the high stakes and intense scrutiny that accompany every Old Firm derby. For now, the Scottish FA’s backing of the officials aims to put an end to the controversy, but it is unlikely to silence debates in the stands and on social media.