Keith Jackson can’t believe ‘sheer stupidity’ as Rangers vs Celtic controversies examined
Rangers’ defeat against Celtic brought all the controversy expected and more on Sunday.
Danny Rohl will have been disappointed to see Celtic beat Rangers 3-1 in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final after extra time, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying at Hampden.
Auston Trusty should have been sent off for Celtic after kicking Jack Butland in the head, as Rangers had to see most of the game out with 10 men after Thelo Aasgaard received a red card in the first half.
The Old Firm derby always brings the heat, but it could have been a completely different game had some poor decisions gone the way of the Gers.
Keith Jackson baffled as to why Auston Trusty didn’t see red
Despite being down to 10 men, Rohl still had his foot on the gas, as Rangers looked the better side after the half-time break.
James Tavernier scored a late penalty for the Bears, which sent the game to extra-time, where unfortunately the additional man worked in the Hoops’ favour.
- Celtic committed 20 fouls to Rangers’ 10
- Youssef Chermiti missed two glorious chances before Aasgaard was sent off
- Celtic will face St Mirren in the final of the Premier Sports Cup
- Rangers now have Roma next in the Europa League
Writing in the print edition of the Daily Record on 3 November, Keith Jackson was left scratching his head at several incidents, including one of “sheer stupidity”.
Jackson said: “Aasgaard had to go even though he didn’t mean it. Trusty should probably have gone too for sheer stupidity, if nothing else.
“And Ralston’s elbow blocked Gassama’s goal-bound shot, so the officials had no option.”
Rangers can’t have many complaints about Aasgaard’s dismissal, nor can Celtic about the penalty they conceded. However, it’s clear Trusty should have gone.
- Read more: Peter Lovenkrands feels sorry for Rangers and Celtic fans after what he saw at Hampden Park
Rangers would have won the game if Trusty was sent off
The only reason Celtic were able to get over the line was because the extra man advantage took its toll on the Gers deep into play after 90 minutes.
Up until extra time, the Gers were still contesting, even dominating, as Celtic fans shouldn’t celebrate the victory too much, only just beating the Bears due to poor officiating.
| Game | Date |
| Celtic vs Rangers | 3 January |
| Rangers vs Celtic | 26 February |
Luckily for Rohl and Rangers, they won’t have to wait long until they can get their revenge.
If Sunday was anything to go by, then Rangers will do just fine in their next games against Celtic, as Rohl will have more time to improve his players and add quality in January.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @ibroxnews247