Scottish League Cup final: Philippe Clement and Brendan Rodgers' react to fallout after Rangers' denied penalty vs Celtic
Vaclav Cerny was pulled down by Liam Scales in extra-time at Hampden Park; referee John Beaton awarded a free-kick; Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum has admitted it was a penalty; the Key Match Incidents Panel has backed Collum up
Friday 20 December 2024 16:33, UK
Philippe Clement claims "all of Europe" has been talking about the controversial non-penalty decision at the League Cup final, while Brendan Rodgers believes there is "always a narrative" after a Celtic vs Rangers game.
The Scottish FA's head of referees Willie Collum admitted on Thursday that the Light Blues were denied a legitimate spot-kick against Celtic at Hampden Park and described VAR Alan Muir and his assistant Frank Connor's role in the decision as "really poor" and "unacceptable".
With Sunday's match level at 3-3 in extra-time, referee John Beaton blew for a foul just outside the Hoops' box when Celtic defender Liam Scales tackled Gers winger Vaclav Cerny.
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Despite television replays - and a VAR review - showing the infringement was inside the area, the on-field decision was not changed and, after the free-kick came to nothing, Celtic went on to win 5-4 on penalties.
Rangers boss Clement spoke about the moment that "will stay in the back of our heads for the rest of our lives" as he looked to move on to league business.
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The Belgian said: "It's hard because you feel after the game that the rules of the game are not followed.
"A lot of times there's a grey area in decision-making. This time there was totally no grey area, that's very clear for everybody.
"And there's nobody in the world who has another view on that.
"It's been good that there was transparency from Willie Collum, and openness and honesty about what happened and about his ideas about the situation. He was really clear about that.
"It doesn't help the result in the end, because it's a game-decisive moment, but we appreciate the honesty and everybody in the club hopes that Willie is not alone in his fight to get standards better, but that everybody at the top of the SFA also have the same ambition to make things better. These things cannot happen, because it's not only for Rangers losing a game like that, but it's also a really bad advertisement for Scottish football.
"And all of Europe has been talking about what happened in this final and that's a pity, because it was two good teams playing a good game of football with everything that every fan wants in a game, with the quality, the intensity, relentlessness, with everything.
"And there's been much more talk about the game-decisive moment. So that's a pity for Scottish football.
"But for us, it's now really important to stop thinking about it, because we have a very important game against Dundee tomorrow (Saturday) and that's what I spoke with the players about this week, you cannot keep on thinking about what happened.
"We need to focus now on what we've been doing and to do that in the game against Dundee and take the three points.
"We don't have the luxury that other people have to stay in that [final] moment.
"Fans have this opportunity. They can do that, but I hope also that they see how much this team is working, what they are doing on the pitch, and support them like they've been doing brilliantly in these last couple of games.
"And that doesn't change because what happened in the final."
Rodgers: There's always a narrative
Brendan Rodgers says there is "always a narrative" after Old Firm games but insists his side just focus on winning and continuing their success.
The Celtic manager has now been in the dugout for 20 games against Rangers, losing just one.
"I always feel there's a narrative of some sort after each game," he said.
"Whether that is it should have been a penalty, should it be a red card, should it not, even penalties that are awarded when it's offside! There is always something in the narrative.
"I can understand why you would maybe look at it. When I see it and evaluate it I think from the images I saw it was probably given for the initial foul which was clearly not on the line, but of course it then moves on and goes onto the penalty aspect.
"The bottom line is whatever happens in the game, you have to get on with it.
"For us, we can only control what we can and that was to go on and win the game. There is always something after a Celtic Rangers game.
"I think it's always been acknowledged that even with VAR there will be human error.
"The guys are not machines, they're looking in a more calmer position rather than the pressurised one of the game but it's still about interpretation.
"Clearly one of the VAR guys felt the initial foul took place away from the incident when it rolled on.
"That's his specialised opinion as an official. There will always be that element of human error and sometimes it goes for you and sometimes it goes against you."
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