Scottish League Cup final: Philippe Clement and Brendan Rodgers react to row after Rangers have penalty denied against Celtic | Football News

Philippe Clement claims “all of Europe” was talking about the controversial non-penalty decision in the League Cup final, while Brendan Rodgers believes there is “always a narrative” after a game between Celtic and Rangers.

Willie Collum, head of refereeing at the Scottish Football Association, admitted on Thursday that the Light Blues were denied a legitimate penalty against Celtic at Hampden Park, describing the role of VAR Alan Muir and his assistant Frank Connor in the decision as “really bad” and “unacceptable”. .

With the score tied at 3-3 in extra time on Sunday, referee John Beaton awarded a foul just outside the Hoops penalty area when Celtic defender Liam Scales tackled Gers winger Vaclav Cerny.

Although TV replays – and a VAR review – showed the offense took place inside the penalty area, the on-field decision was not changed and after the free kick was canceled out, Celtic won 5-4 on penalties.

Rangers boss Clement spoke about the moment that will “stay in the back of our minds for the rest of our lives” as he tried to break into league business.

The Belgian said: “It’s difficult because after the game you feel like the rules of the game aren’t being followed.”

“There is often a gray area when making decisions. This time there was no gray area at all, that is very clear to everyone.”

“And there is no one in the world who sees it differently.

“It was good that Willie Collum showed transparency and openness and honesty about what happened and his ideas about the situation. He made that really clear.”

“It doesn’t help the result in the end because it’s a game-winning moment, but we appreciate the honesty and everyone at the club hopes that Willie is not alone in his fight for better standards, but that everyone is at the forefront,” the SFA said also have the same ambition to improve things because it’s not just for Rangers to lose a game like that but it’s a really bad advert for Scottish football.

“And all of Europe was talking about what happened in that final and that’s a shame because they were two good teams playing a good game of football, with everything every fan wants from a game, with the quality that Intensity, of relentlessness, with everything.

“And there was a lot more talk about the game-winning moment. So it’s a shame for Scottish football.”

“But it’s really important for us now to stop thinking about it because we have a very important game against Dundee tomorrow (Saturday) and I’ve spoken about that with the players this week. You can’t keep thinking about what happened.”

“We now have to concentrate on what we did and do that in the game against Dundee and get the three points.”

“We don’t have the luxury of other people having to stay in that (final) moment.”

“Fans have this opportunity. They can do that, but I also hope they see how hard this team works, what they do 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 narrative

Brendan Rodgers says there is “always a narrative” after Old Firm games but insists his side are just focused on winning and continuing their success.

The Celtic coach has now been in the dugout for 20 games against Rangers and has only lost one.

“I always feel like there’s some kind of narrative after every game,” he said.

“Whether that would be a penalty, whether it would be a red card or not, even penalties that are awarded for offside! There’s always something in the story.”

“I can see why you might want to look at this. When I look at it and evaluate it, I think based on the images I saw that it was probably given because of the first foul, which was clearly not on the line, but of course it goes on and on from there.” goes on the penalty -aspect.

“The bottom line is, whatever happens in the game, you have to keep going.”

“For us, the only thing we can control is what we can, which is to go on and win the game. There’s always something after a Celtic Rangers game.”

“I think it has always been recognized that there can be human error even with VAR.

“The boys aren’t machines, they seem to be in a calmer position rather than the pressured position of the game, but it’s still about interpretation.”

“Obviously one of the VAR people felt the first foul had occurred outside of the incident as it continued.

“That is his specific opinion as an official. There will always be that element of human error, and sometimes it works in your favor and sometimes it works against you.”