Jonty Banks

Thu 5 January 2023 14:45, UK

Dermot Gallagher has agreed with referee John Beaton’s decision to award Rangers a penalty in the Old Firm following a foul on Fashion Sakala, when debating the decision live on Sky Sports.

With the Gers having drawn themselves level following Ryan Kent’s stunning goal, Hoops defender Carl Starfelt was penalised for diving in on Sakala in the penalty area, which led to Beaton subsequently pointing to the spot.

James Tavernier would convert from 12-yards and help Michael Beale’s side take the lead in a highly entertaining derby day that ended in a 2-2 draw.

“He doesn’t win the ball, and as Fashion Sakala comes back he just catches his back leg and brings him down,” ex-FIFA referee Gallagher said while speaking live on Sky Sports Ref Watch (5 January).

“And I think he knows he’s done it because if you watch Carl Starfelt he actually gives himself up as much to say, ‘What have I done?”

Clear-cut

The decision to award Rangers a penalty can’t have been an easy one for Beaton to make under the immense pressure of the Old Firm derby day, but pointing to the spot was clearly the correct decision.

After running beyond Starfelt, Sakala used his nimble footwork and pace to cut back inside and invite the Hoops defender to have a nibble at his dangling leg. There was clear contact, and although not an overly aggressive tackle, it brought Sakala to the ground.

The penalty was a just reward for the Gers’ strong start to the second half and, after stumbling out of the starting blocks at the beginning of the match, capped off a fine recovery.

The two soft goals conceded by Rangers would have frustrated Beale and left him thinking they really let a chance slip to reduce the deficit to the league leaders. With nine points still splitting the two sides, the Gers will have to hope for a remarkable slip-up from Celtic to stand a chance of lifting title number 56.

In other Rangers news, the Gers want to sign this South American ace who’s playing in Europe.