Chris Sutton fires up Rangers penalty conspiracy theorists after incident v Celtic at Ibrox
Rangers would have entered their third Old Firm derby of the Scottish Premiership full of confidence knowing a win would take them top of the league.
However, that confidence around Philippe Clement’s side would have faded in its entirety by the time the half-time whistle blew at Ibrox. While James Tavernier’s mistake gifted the Hoops the opener, Matt O’Riley’s penalty was the sucker punch.
The Hoops midfielder converted from the spot in Sunday’s (7 April) 3-3 draw and despite the chaos that unfolded on the pitch, Chris Sutton didn’t miss his opportunity to fire a jibe at the Light Blues’ penalty record.
Speaking on Sky Sports Football (7 April, 12:32) he said: “Rangers can’t have any complaints, they’re not used to seeing them given at Ibrox over the years. Jack Butland is going to have to save the day again.”
Should Celtic have had a penalty in their Old Firm derby of the season?
To suggest that Ranger supporters aren’t used to seeing penalties given against them at Ibrox carries on the theory that the SFA and their officials tend to favour the Hoops in an attempt to help them win the league.
Similar conspiracies were mooted after it was announced that John Beaton was going to take charge of Sunday’s Old Firm meeting after Brendan Rodgers had slammed the referee for his display in their defeat to Hearts.
If anything, the Light Blues were treated harshly by the VAR at Ibrox on Sunday as Goldson’s arm was tucked in and it was just his elbow that was marginally sticking out. The defender did all he could to get out of the way.
While it isn’t the fault of the officials, the current handball rule makes it almost impossible for players to defend effectively, especially in such a high-pressure fixture.
Had Beaton and the VAR not given the penalty, the Celtic conspiracy theorists, like Sutton, would have been once again up in arms suggesting that the officials were favouring Clement’s side in the title race.
Hopefully, Sunday’s decisions, which evened themselves out over the course of the game, will prove that the officials north of the border are not biased. They’re just where near the standard required for a top league.
In other Rangers news, Sam Lammers has been tipped to leave Ibrox in a £1.5million move to Utrecht this summer
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.