Fabio Silva might’ve won Rangers’ penalty against Celtic, but the Portuguese forward didn’t win a lot of fans at Parkhead in the process.
The Wolves loanee, 21, has impressed at times during his brief stint at Ibrox and is enjoying himself so much that Silva wants to extend his stay in Glasgow.
But the Rangers forward’s theatrics in this weekend’s Old Firm derby draw with Celtic have drawn much criticism of Philippe Clement’s team.
Whilst the forward wound up playing a crucial role in the game, Fabio Silva’s first half antics had Rangers fans frustrated but Celtic fans incandescent.
Rangers fans won’t endorse Fabio Silva antics v Celtic
Making a meal out of just about every clash he was involved in, Silva was heavily involved in the match.
Going down and riling up the Celtic players, the intensity of the forward’s play-acting brought an extra dimension to the Old Firm derby that has been absent in recent memory.
Squirming, screaming and spending any moment he could on the deck in the first 45, the situation culminated in that controversial penalty call.
Like the boy who cried wolf, Fabio Silva was initially yellow-carded for simulation following a tackle from Alistair Johnston.
VAR showed that Johnston had clumsily connected with Silva’s knee and whilst the forward was ready to sensationalise it, the challenge warranted a spot-kick.
It was an encouraging moment for Silva, who was also spurned from pulling one back in the first half due to a sprawling Joe Hart save.
Old Firm managers disagree over penalty
The Fabio Silva penalty incident split both Philippe Clement and Brendan Rodgers come full-time.
The Rangers and Celtic managers, you’ll be surprised to hear, had substantially different takes on the moment come full-time.
Whilst Clement was adamant it is a spot-kick – and even asked a journalist his opinion – Rodgers has accused Silva of “simulation”.
“The penalty changes the momentum of the game slightly for us in the second half,” said Rodgers.
“I think it was a good decision on the pitch. When you watch it back on the replays it’s really good recovery defending by Ali Johnston.
“He’s going one way and you can see he gets a nick on the ball, plays it away and obviously then the player has gone down and obviously looking to simulate the penalty.”
When Clement was asked about Rodgers’ comments, he responded: “I think if somebody kicks your knee, phew, if that’s not a penalty any more OK yeah but everybody can have his opinion.”
Ahead of the final Old Firm derby in the Scottish Premiership at Celtic Park, it looks like our Old Firm rivals have found their pantomime villain.
Fabio Silva has scored four goals in 24 appearances since joining Rangers on loan in January.
