Rangers have written to the SFA to ask why the correct decision was reached in Saturday’s Glasgow Derby. Towards the end of the first half, Alistair Johnston’s hand appeared to touch the ball as a cross into the box headed behind.
Referee Nick Walsh awarded a goal kick before being asked by Willie Collum on VAR to pause the game. A nervy wait ensued before Walsh sounded the whistle and signalled to players to play on.
As a team that are used to dubious penalty decisions, Rangers have now written to demand the audio of the decision being made. An incredible display of brass neck as it is clear that the decsion that was reached was the right one.
Footage revealed that Sima was offside from John Lundstram’s pass and was clearly interfering with play by pressuring Johnston.
SSN understands Rangers will ask the Scottish FA for VAR audio after no penalty was awarded following this incident.
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 30, 2023
Even then new managed Philippe Clement was in full denial mode, appearing to abandon all logic when confronted about the decision. Maybe the Belgian could have gone on online and had a look at the IFAB rules.
It is utterly bizarre that their management and fans appear set on adopting the mantra of ‘cheated never defeated’ in these games. Rather than pulling up their players for sub-par displays, they insist that they should be given decisions even when they’re wrong.
It is clear that the decision was reviewable as there was a penalty shout but not awarded as there was an offence in the build up by the attacking team, the Sima offside. It was further clear that the Belgian struggled to comprehend the rule book when he made three substitutes at three separate intervals and was unable to go to his bench to make into remaining substitutes.
Rangers aren’t interested in the audio from the second half penalty shout that saw David Turnbull pulled down in the box by James Tavernier. The officials indicated it was offside but it appeared to be quite close slowed down.
Celtic were the better team and deserved their victory, winning the midfield battle and probably should have been more comfortable than the scoreline suggested.