Philippe Clement slams ‘stupid’ rule which saw Conor Goldson pick up a yellow card v Sparta Prague
Philippe Clement has slammed the rule in UEFA competitions which sees the linesman delay putting the flag up until the move is over, which resulted in Connor Goldson picking up a yellow card for Rangers against Sparta Prague.
That yellow card will see Goldson miss the next Europa League clash with Aris through an accumulation of too many cautions, and Clement was not happy with the decision.
Despite his frustrations, the boss remained level-headed and claimed he would not dwell on the call as he has no influence over it, and the suspension would give other players the opportunity to prove themselves.
Speaking to The Scotsman following the game on 9 November, Clement stated: “It was first an offside. I think it’s a stupid rule to wait that long, not only for this situation but also for injuries if you continue playing when you have the risk of a collision or some stupid things.
“I don’t work for UEFA or FIFA to change the rules, but for me, if it is clearly offside the linesman needs to show because stupid things can happen like the yellow card for Connor.
“It is what it is. I am not someone who keeps thinking about a problem if I can’t do anything about it. He will be suspended and it will be a chance for other players to prove themselves.”
Missing a key player
Goldson’s absence from the Aris game will surely be felt by Clement’s side. While John Souttar is perfectly capable of stepping in and filling the gap, the Englishman has always been the most reliable defender at the club, with his commanding presence a key to the defensive stability.
It would be easy to think that, if Goldson must miss any game, the fixture against a supposed weaker side at Ibrox would be the one to miss, but given their shock win over Rangers in the reverse fixture, they would prefer not to take any chances.
Clement’s frustrations with the decision are clear and just. Had the linesman’s flag gone up to make the call on the offside, Goldson never would have been drawn into the challenge which saw him booked, and he would still be available for the next clash.
Claims that injuries or other incidents could occur as a result of the decision to leave the flag down is also a fair concern, and one many others have raised, but as Clement says, they simply have no influence there.
In other Rangers news, a 4/10 ace was awful again in Rangers’ Europa League win.