Keith Jackson reacts to Rangers v Celtic VAR drama in Old Firm for Daily Record
Keith Jackson has been left stunned by a VAR decision in the Old Firm clash on January 2 where Rangers and Celtic drew 2-2 at Ibrox.
In an eventful game, it looked like Rangers were about to get one over on Celtic, nevertheless, a late equaliser crushed any dreams of an emphatic win.
Speaking in the Daily Record print edition (Jan 3, pg. 37) Jackson confessed that it was a “mystery” to him as to why Celtic weren’t awarded a penalty for a Connor Goldson handball, something that will cause paranoia amongst their support.
“There was a moment of considerable controversy too when VAR appeared to pull rank on John Beaton by deciding the referee did not need a second look at a Connor Goldson handball – which – had he seen for himself might have resulted in a Celtic penalty kick,” said Jackson as quoted in The Daily Record print edition (Jan 3, pg. 37).
“Exactly why Beaton was not advised to make his way to the nearest TV screen will have to remain a mystery for the time being but that will do nothing to suppress the levels of paranoia among a Celtic support that revels in the belief that officials conspire against their team every time.”
Building block.
The Old Firm was a mixed bag for Rangers but grabbing a point on the day was probably the fairest result for both sides involved.
Celtic dominated for much of the first half and this was unfortunately where things went wrong for the Gers when the full-time whistle blew.
A much-improved second half after an obvious furious Michael Beale half-time talk knocked some sense into the team and they started to actually play some decent stuff.
Fashion Sakala was the epitome of turning his performance and the team’s on its head and showed in the second 45 just what he is capable of doing.
Ryan Kent was also a stand-out performer on the day and constantly looked like the attacking threat fans have been craving to see. The Gers’ defence looked pretty solid for the majority of the game too, a bright note to take into future Scottish Premiership clashes after wobbly outings from Ben Davies recently.
All in all, the game was a positive step forward, Rangers aren’t quite there yet but they have plenty to build on.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton mocked Ally McCoist over backing of forgotten Gers star.