In a heated post-match interview, Rangers manager Philippe Clement expressed his frustration and disbelief over a crucial VAR decision that denied his team a penalty in their 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park. The intense derby saw Celtic secure a vital victory, but it was decisions Clement wanted to use to deflect from his team’s failings.
“I’m curious why the handball was not given in the first half because it’s a really decisive decision to go 1-1. It’s a clear handball and it’s a penalty,” Clement told BBC Sportsound. His frustration was palpable but there was a clear offside in the build up, so bringing it up just further shows his desperation.
Celtic’s Bernardo and Kyogo were the heroes of the day, with their goals sealing a victory that put the Hoops eight points clear at the top. However, for Rangers, the story was one of what could have been. Clement’s side resorted to long balls, set pieces, and counters in an attempt to break down Celtic’s dominance. James Tavernier’s late free-kick provided a glimmer of hope, but it wasn’t enough to overturn the deficit.
As Celtic fans celebrated their team’s dominance and resilience, Rangers were left Celtic park with their tails between their legs. Clement’s post-match outburst is not just a reflection of the pressure he’s under. With the defeat, Rangers find themselves further behind in the title race, a situation Clement is all too aware of.
The late offside call that cleared up the reasoning behind the VAR decision did little to quell Clement’s frustration.
