Nicolas Raskin lucky to avoid sanction vs Celtic, officials 'should have intervened'
Rangers star Nicolas Raskin was fortunate to not receive a booking in the 1-0 win over Celtic, Keith Hackett has said.
The 25-year-old midfielder put in an immense display in the Parkhead clash.
He was brilliant on both sides of the ball, and that helped Derek McInnes' side to a memorable victory.
Ryan Naderi's goal in the first half was the difference between the sides on a tense afternoon in G40.
It was not filled with many refereeing controversies as Old Firm clashes usually are, but there was still a moment involving the Light Blues star.
Ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett believes that the officials got one incident involving the Belgian completely wrong in the contest.
Why should Nicolas Raskin have received a booking in Celtic vs Rangers?
Raskin kicked the ball at Camilo Duran in the 11th minute of the contest, and it hit the Hoops star in the face.
Duran was down on the ground and Raskin did not hold back in booting the ball at his opponent, succeeding in doing so.
Hackett believes that he should have been punished for it, rather than play just continuing, with the officials stepping in.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, he said: "I am surprised that no action was taken when Raskin booted the ball directly at his opponent, who was lying on the ground.
"At minimum, the player should have received a yellow card for an act of unsporting behaviour.
"VAR could not intervene under the protocol.
"However, the fourth official or assistant referee can intervene and should have done."
It sounds like Raskin was lucky to get away with it.
Why Rangers players should take example from Raskin
McInnes, the squad nor the fans will care about the fact that Raskin got away with one for that incident.
If anything, it just shows that he understands what this fixture is all about, the animosity and the hostility that comes with it.
Ideally, more Bears players will take up the mantle and act the same way towards Martin O'Neill's side in the future.
The Gers have shown Celtic too much respect in recent years, but it looks like times are changing in Glasgow.
The Hoops look like they are in freefall, while the Light Blues are finding their feet under McInnes.
Hopefully, it all ends with the league title back where it belongs at Auchenhowie, after five long years without one.