Despite Celtic’s 1-0 triumph at Ibrox, post-match discussions have revolved around controversial VAR decisions rather than the gameplay itself.
One of the contentious decisions saw Rangers’ goal, where Dessers dispossessed Celtic’s Largerbielke to assist Kemar Roofe, disallowed by VAR. While the on-field referee didn’t initially spot the foul on Largerbielke, VAR intervened to rule the goal out.
In the aftermath, the decision has polarised opinions. Some pundits controversially suggest that the rulebook should’ve been bypassed and the goal allowed to stand.
However, an incident that hasn’t gained much traction is a potential penalty scenario involving Celtic’s Kyogo. Post his missed chance, and with the scores still 0-0, Rangers’ goalkeeper Jack Butland appeared to push Kyogo to the ground with both hands while the ball was still in play.
Butland then Goldson pushing Kyogo about the penalty area.
Possible penalty claim for Celtic v Rangers. pic.twitter.com/CGy38H67a4— Lint (@Zeshankenzo) September 4, 2023
Speaking about the incident, pundit Mark Wilson stated on Clyde1 SSB,“So Kyogo obviously runs through and goal, he beats Butland but as Kyogo gets up, kind of stumbling, Butland gets up and pushes Kyogo two-handed in the six-yard box.
“I’ve got to say he can’t just push a player like that when the ball is actively in play in the box there’s a good argument that if the referee saw that.
“The ball’s actively in play and Kyogo could have come active again if that ball had rebounded back to him or someone, but he’s been pushed to the ground.”
Given that Rangers are reportedly lodging a complaint with the SFA about the VAR decision, Celtic might have grounds to question how VAR overlooked the Butland-Kyogo incident.
Despite the controversy, the final whistle saw Celtic emerge as deserving 1-0 victors.
