Former Scottish top-flight referee Bobby Madden couldn’t accept Rangers’ Premier Sports Cup final loss to Celtic this afternoon, taking to Instagram post-match to weigh in on a key decision.
The Hoops emerged victorious from a topsy-turvy Hampden showdown, which easily could have gone either way.
Celtic players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Antonio Bronic
Nedim Bajrami gave Rangers the lead at the end of the first half, but by the hour mark, the Bhoys found themselves in front thanks to goals from left-hand side duo Greg Taylor and Daizen Maeda.
Mohamed Diomande responded for the Gers before Nicolas Kuhn, with moments to go, popped up with what looked like the winner. Danilo had other ideas, though, and put the game to extra time with the scoreline level at 3-3.
Then, three minutes into the first period of extra time, Liam Scales seemed to dally with the ball just on the edge of the penalty area. He tugged Vaclav Cerny’s shirt, and a free kick was given.
Appeals for a Rangers penalty were widespread, and Madden, who refereed countless games in Scotland, took to Instagram post-match to weigh in on the incident.
In a meltdown, he claimed it was ‘100%’ a penalty kick and admitted he was ‘amazed’ the Gers weren’t given a chance to net from 12 yards:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDm71mKKGI9/?igsh=MW56aHQ0NngybDdzcw==
Madden can moan as much as he wants, but Rangers simply weren’t good enough to get past Celtic, even when the Scottish champions weren’t at their best.
