In a heated Old Firm derby at Ibrox, Rangers secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Celtic, but the match was not without controversy. A significant flashpoint occurred just before half-time involving Rangers’ captain for the day, Nicolas Raskin, and Celtic’s captain, Callum McGregor.
The Incident
As the first half drew to a close, tensions flared between Raskin and McGregor, leading to a physical altercation. Referee Don Robertson intervened and issued a yellow card to Raskin. However, McGregor, who had already been booked earlier in the match, did not receive a second yellow card, which would have resulted in his dismissal.
Raskin’s Perspective
Raskin expressed his bewilderment at the referee’s decision, suggesting that Robertson may have initially intended to caution both players but reconsidered upon realizing that McGregor was already on a yellow card. He stated, “I just didn’t understand what was happening. McGregor and I made contact, you know? And I think the referee wanted to book us both, but then he looked at McGregor and remembered he’d booked him, so just booked me.”
Raskin further elaborated on his conversation with Robertson, indicating that the referee admitted to not clearly seeing the incident. Raskin contended that the decision was unfair, asserting that both players should have been treated equally: “I was calm, I was just explaining to the ref that it was unfair, that he had to book us both. The ref explained that he didn’t really see it, but I said you either book both or no one.”
Impact on the Match
Despite the controversy, Rangers maintained their composure and delivered a dominant performance in the second half. Goals from Ianis Hagi, Robin Pröpper, and Danilo secured a convincing victory for the home side. Raskin, reflecting on the team’s display, noted the significant improvement compared to recent matches and emphasized the importance of consistency: “The fans deserved a performance like that. We deserved a performance like that. I know the last two games weren’t great, we all know that, so we all enjoyed this one so much.”
Broader Implications
The incident has sparked discussions about refereeing standards and consistency in decision-making during high-stakes matches. Some Rangers supporters have criticized Robertson’s judgment, suggesting a bias or double standard.
Such controversies underscore the challenges officials face in managing the intense atmosphere of derby matches, where split-second decisions can have significant ramifications.
Looking Forward
Rangers’ victory narrows the gap between the two Glasgow giants, injecting renewed vigor into their campaign. Raskin highlighted the need for the team to adapt to different styles of play to maintain their momentum: “Now, it’s about us finding the small details that make us good in both kinds of game. We know where we want to be and we’re working hard as a team and as a club to get there.”
As the season progresses, both teams will be keen to move past the controversy and focus on their performances on the pitch. However, the debate surrounding the incident at Ibrox is likely to persist, serving as a reminder of the fine margins that often define football’s most storied rivalries.
