Derek Ferguson and Paul Slane discuss Odsonne Edouard penalty claim against Rangers
Derek Ferguson and Paul Slane had very different perspectives on Odsonne Edouard’s penalty claim against Rangers on Sunday.
The striker was booked for diving when taking the ball past Borna Barisic but former Celtic man Slane cannot believe the referee gave the decision against the striker.
Ferguson was more level-headed in his approach to the incident and that led the pair to clash a little on the Open Goal Podcast.
“I’m kind of on the fence…I can see why it was not given,” said Ferguson.
Slane responded, “[It is] certainly a penalty all day long, if I come up to you and tried to punch you right in the face does that make me any better of a person?
“The rule is, you’ve impeded the person’s run. He had to move out of the way, if he does not do that then he’s by him.
“Listen, did Edouard take a tumble to the ground, yes, but the incident before that he had to step away.”
Easy decision
We cannot believe this incident has got so much air time.
Our perspective is simple, there was no contact made so there is no reason why for a penalty to be given.
Edouard was stupid to throw himself to the ground when he could have had a shot on goal but that is exactly what he did – the motion in which he fell made it obvious to referee Willie Collum.
There is little point in discussing this issue and it is interesting that pundits gloss over the fact Edouard missed a great chance from a similar position later in the first half.
If Celtic want to cry and moan about refereeing decisions it only serves to embarrass them.
They should be looking at their own missed chances and poor marking for Alfredo Morelos’ goal if they want to improve and get back on top.
We are pleased Steven Gerrard learns from failings instead of getting bogged down on key moments in matches – that is what has allowed us to improve throughout his tenure.
In other Rangers news, a Czech journalist has made an audacious claim about Gerrard after Rangers visited earlier this month.