Bobby Madden defends Nick Walsh over Celtic vs Rangers controversy as footage shared
Bobby Madden has had his say on a number of controversial moments in Rangers’ defeat to Celtic at Hampden Park.
Rangers were beaten 3-1 by Celtic as their Premier Sports Cup semi-final clash went to extra-time on Sunday afternoon.
James Tavernier cancelled out Johnny Kenny’s goal from the penalty spot after a shot struck the arm of Anthony Ralston, who escaped a second booking in the process.
That was after Thelo Aasgaard was sent off for a poor challenge on Ralston, with the 10 men of Rangers doing well to take the game the distance.
However, Callum McGregor put Celtic back in front early in the additional period and Callum Osmand netted a third to take the game out of Rangers’ reach.
Referee Nick Walsh was at the centre of plenty of focus, as ever in these Old Firm fixtures, and came under fire from both sets of fans.
Nick Walsh at centre of Old Firm drama again
One such incident that sparked anger among the fanbase was Auston Trusty avoiding a red card late in the first half.
James McFadden was shocked Trusty was not sent off for Celtic as he caught Jack Butland’s head with his boot at a point where the ball was not there to be won.
Walsh was also criticised for not sending off Derek Cornelius in the first half, with ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett exclusively telling Ibrox News his challenge should have resulted in a red.
It led TV presenter Darrell Currie to wonder if Willie Collum will issue apologies for Walsh getting multiple decisions wrong. Collum is the head of refereeing for the SFA.
However, in a post via Instagram on Sunday accompanied with footage of each incident, former SFA ref Bobby Madden offered his view and defended Walsh over one contentious call in particular.
Walsh correct not to send off Anthony Ralston – Bobby Madden
Rangers wanted Ralston to be given a second yellow card after he gave away a penalty for handball, but Madden moved to clear that up.
“The referee does well to identify this,” he said. “If you throw yourself at the ball and the ball strikes the arm outside the body, it has to be a penalty kick.
“It stopped being a mandatory yellow card offence two seasons ago so no caution is correct.“
| Fixture | Date | Result |
| Brann (a) | 23/10 | 3-0 loss |
| Kilmarnock (h) | 26/10 | 3-1 win |
| Hibernian (a) | 29/10 | 1-0 win |
| Celtic (n) | 02/11 | 3-1 loss (AET) |
On the Aasgaard challenge that saw the defender sent off, Madden said: “Correct red card. No intent, but the actions endangered the safety of the opponent. Serious foul play.”
Madden did point out that Walsh got one call wrong, though, in not sending off Trusty for kicking Butland.
“Missed red card. No opportunity to play the ball,” he said. “Deliberate act and makes contact with the face. Violent conduct.“
Rangers have a chance to put the Celtic loss behind them when they face Roma at Ibrox in the Europa League on Thursday.
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