In the aftermath of Celtic’s League Cup final triumph, Rangers fans have found a new target for their post-match grievances: Kasper Schmeichel’s positioning during the penalty shootout. The Celtic goalkeeper, who played a crucial role in his team’s 5-4 victory on penalties, has come under fire from some corners of the Rangers support for standing inside the penalty area—rather than behind the goal line—as Celtic’s Arne Engels converted his spot kick.
This was brought up by a Rangers fan online with many backing him and he asks the former referee account about it.
According to IFAB rules, the opposing goalkeeper must remain outside the penalty area and on the goal line where it meets the penalty box boundary until the kick is taken. While Schmeichel’s positioning technically breached these rules, his placement had no impact on play and no bearing on Engels’ ability to score.
Despite the irrelevance of the incident to the game’s outcome, a former referee has joined the chorus of complaints, stating: “Probably should be sanctioned, but no specific mention. At the very least, he should be told exactly where to go. This should have been dealt with.”
The focus on Schmeichel’s positioning conveniently diverts attention from the real issues at play. Celtic were the better team over the course of 120 minutes, and when it came to penalties, they held their nerve while Rangers faltered. Schmeichel’s crucial save against Ridvan Yilmaz and the composure of Celtic’s takers ultimately decided the game—not a minor technicality that went unnoticed at the time.
This latest meltdown is part of a growing trend in Rangers’ post-defeat behaviour. Rather than acknowledging Celtic’s victory, the Ibrox club’s fanbase and media cheerleaders seem intent on inventing controversies to mask their team’s shortcomings. First, it was the Cerny penalty claim in the second half. Now, it’s Schmeichel’s positioning during a shootout where Rangers failed.
As Celtic fans continue to revel in their side’s 119th major trophy and cementing their status as Scotland’s most successful club, Rangers’ ongoing campaign to rewrite the narrative only highlights their inability to accept defeat gracefully. The Bhoys lifted the cup, and no amount of nit-picking will change that fact.
Probably should be sanctioned, but no specific mention. At the very least he should be told exactly where to go pic.twitter.com/QklUjptg7d
— The Ref’s View (@TheRefsView) December 16, 2024
