Celtic remain top of the Cinch Premiership after Rangers failed to score the required amount to go ahead on goal difference, narrowly beating Aberdeen 2-1. The Dons, who welcomed Neil Warnock in his first game, had two big shouts late in the game for penalties missed by the officials.
Earlier today, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was asked to comment on what Warnock would expect having taken his first job in Scotland. The Irishman quipped that the 75-year-old would see what the referees are like now that he is in amongst it. Rodgers probably didn’t think that Warnock would have a couple of refereeing talking points on his first game in the Dons dugout.
Connor Goldson appeared to handle the ball twice as the ball broke in the box. Miovski’s shot appeared to hit the Rangers defender on the arm but VAR did not to intervene despite the replays. After the game, the Sky Sports pundits discussed the game with all – except the Rangers cheerleader Kris Boyd – appearing to concur that it should have been checked.
🗣️”They’re fortunate, Rangers.”
🗣️”Talk about clutching at straws.”The studio discuss two potential handballs in the Rangers-Aberdeen match. Watch the post-match analysis on @SkyFootball 📺 pic.twitter.com/R5gbMv5r2N
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 6, 2024
The two shouts weren’t looked at in any great detail, which we know given the lack of a break in play, which may be the result of Rangers’ period of consorted pressure on officials after the defeat at Celtic Park. Rodgers’ side need to ramp up their performance levels and put together a run of form in the next few months towards winning a League title and the Scottish Cup.
Once again the ref got it all wrong. Just another genuine mistake? M F A. The officials seen it , just as we did, and did nothing, just too try and help the Huns to go top.!! It failed, but secured them three pound, when it should have been one!! Saved by the free mason/ orange order of refereeing Manuel, and it is time the beaks at the top looked further into this. But of course they can’t, as they are in it up to their necks,as the SFA offices ARE THE HQ of shake me handy Andy!! Check your rings are still in your fingers!! So come on Celtic, let’s get all our squad together, and get the Asian players back , ( which the daily ranger never mentions) and beat Hibs tonight and soar away from the Huns again. Hail Hail.
The referee Don Robertson had a good game and did something I never thought was possible against Rangers, i.e. sent a Rangers player off, reviewed his decision on VAR and despite the jeers and protests, stuck with his decision which I.thought was very brave of him and bold, all good. What makes no sense whatsoever is why that handball or rather those two handball weren’t even checked by VAR. I’m pretty sure we’ve seen VAR intervene previously to give penalties for Rangers for similar or penalties against Celtic for the merest touch.