The dust is settling on Celtic’s 3-3 draw away to Rangers that kept their Scottish Premiership title hopes intact at Ibrox.
Incredibly, Daizen Maeda opened the scoring for the Bhoys after just 21 seconds, closing down a long ball from Joe Hart before James Tavernier’s clearance deflected off the Japan international and past Jack Butland.
Rangers defender Connor Goldson was penalised for a handball offence in the area as the Englishman nicked the ball with his elbow, which stopped the oncoming Liam Scales from making contact with a cross from the right.
John Beaton was called to the monitor and didn’t need too long to make his decision, enabling Matt O’Riley an opportunity to clip a cool penalty down the middle on 34 minutes.
The hosts got back into the game by virtue of a controversial spot-kick award involving Fabio Silva, who was initially booked for diving before Beaton reversed his decision once he went for a second look.
Tavernier smashed past Hart, and Abdallah Sima’s deflected effort brought Rangers back to parity. Almost straight from kick-off, Celtic went ahead through a brilliant Adam Idah finish; however, Rabbi Matondo guaranteed a share of the spoils for his side.
Brendan Rodgers took satisfaction from the character Celtic showed at Ibrox, stating post-match: “We’re disappointed not to win, but to leave here with it all in our hands is what we wanted – for that, I’m really proud.”
Dermot Gallagher drops Celtic penalty award Ref Watch verdict
Dermot Gallagher has been giving his customary Ref Watch verdict from the weekend’s events, and he ran the rule over the penalty Celtic were awarded from Goldson’s handball in conjunction with former Liverpool man Stephen Warnock.
The former Premier League referee applauded VAR for their ‘good intervention’ to spot the infringement, stating: “Good intervention. The referee can’t see it on-field. Goldson lifts his arm and there’s no doubt in my mind he puts his arm towards the ball. The referee goes to the screen, and it shows the ball hits him on the elbow.”
Warnock later added on the situation: “He lifts his arm high, and it’s handball. Goldson is thinking he’s going to get a challenge, so he’s protecting himself. You don’t jump with arms by your side, but it’s an error.”
In the end, Beaton made the right decision on the day, though anger is still prevalent over Silva’s involvement, which led to Rangers being awarded a spot-kick in the second half.
Nevertheless, we move on, turning our attention to the challenge that St Mirren will pose this Saturday at Parkhead.