Danny Rohl makes early request ahead of Rangers’ Old Firm showdown vs Celtic
Rangers boss Danny Rohl has sent a clear demand to whoever is refereeing this weekend’s Old Firm derby.
Celtic welcome Rangers to Parkhead on Saturday, in what will be Rohl’s first ever taste of the Old Firm in the league.
Rangers beat St Mirren 2-1 on Tuesday night, despite the fact that Rohl was without a number of key players against the Buddies.
Goals from Thelo Aasgaard and Emmanuel Fernandez sealed another big three points for Rangers, as they moved to within three points of second-placed Celtic and six behind leaders Hearts ahead of Saturday’s monumental clash.
However, Celtic’s 3-1 win over Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup final on 2 November means the Gers would win back the bragging rights as well as points this weekend.
Danny Rohl make referee request for Celtic trip
Like any Old Firm derby, Saturday’s meeting between the two sides will be fiery and furious.
The result of the game could have major title implications for both sides of Glasgow, with a Rangers win bringing them level with Celtic, whilst a home win could equally move Wilfried Nancy’s team level on points with Hearts should they lose to Livingston at Tynecastle.
As such, Rohl is keen to ensure that whoever is in the middle at Parkhead on Saturday, that they bring one key quality to their officiating performance.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday night, Rohl said: “In this game, it’s important that we are strong.
“I think it’s important that the ref is strong in this game as well. If we do this, we will have a fantastic game.”
Rangers must learn Thelo Aasgaard lesson from last Celtic clash
Rohl’s refereeing request ahead of this weekend’s meeting with Celtic is a fair one, and in truth, it’s a requirement for any official taking a game as big as this one.
However, Rangers must help the referee out though, which is something they didn’t do against their bitter inter-city rivals last time out.
- Celtic have only lost one game at Parkhead this season (2-1 loss to Hearts)
- Rangers have lost once on the road this season, winning four and drawing four
- Rangers have taken two draws and a win from their last three league meetings with Celtic
Indeed, in the 3-1 Premier Sports Cup loss back in November, Aasgaard was shown a straight red card after just 38 minutes, with Rangers already down 1-0 at that point in the game.
That seriously dented the Gers’ chances of winning that contest, and was a tough reminder that in a match with as much on the line as an Old Firm game, and especially as the visiting team, you simply can’t be giving the referee decisions like that to make.
Staying in the officials’ good books will be key to Rangers’ gameplan, as with a full complement of 11 against 11, Rohl’s side will feel confident that they can come out victorious on Saturday.
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