Celtic fans will now finally be settling down after a whirlwind clash against Rangers at Ibrox last weekend that ended in a 3-3 draw.
Like most Glasgow Derby matches, it didn’t pass without incident, as both sides were awarded a penalty alongside six goals being shared between two clubs vying for the Scottish Premiership title.
Out of the pair, Celtic will feel they are in a more advantageous position heading into the season run-in, given Brendan Rodgers now has a chance to slay Rangers in the reverse fixture at Parkhead post-split.
Of course, Rangers can move to the summit should they defeat Dundee tomorrow night; however, they have won just once in Glasgow’s east end with fans since 2011, which will be cause for concern for Philippe Clement.
Evaluating the contentious elements of our dramatic encounter at Ibrox, Alistair Johnston’s penalisation for a challenge in the area on Fabio Silva has generated the most profound public reverberation.
Despite appearing to get the ball, John Beaton awarded a spot-kick after heading to the monitor, and James Tavernier took advantage from 12 yards.
Rodgers commented on the decision post-match, stating: “Alistair Johnston has made a really good recovery challenge. He’s going one way and then he gets the ball, he knocks it away – the player then simulates and goes over. I thought it was the right decision in the game but it went against us.”
Celtic adamant John Beaton did not receive the full picture
Per The Daily Record, Celtic have written to the SFA demanding answers over the penalty award as they are adamant Beaton didn’t receive the full picture from the footage shown on the VAR monitor.
There are also concerns over the fact they don’t believe Johnston’s challenge met the threshold to be overturned, as despite winning the ball, IFAB rules state that a decision can be overturned if a tackle is ‘careless, reckless or has excess force’ present.
A Celtic spokesperson issued official communication, stating: “The club has been in correspondence with the Scottish FA regarding the VAR process throughout the season, and has also played an active part in the SPFL working group which is seeking to work with the Scottish FA to improve standards for all clubs.
“We have raised our further concerns regarding the VAR process in the match with the Scottish FA and await a response.”
It remains to be seen whether any retrospective developments will take place in light of our decision to speak out, which follows a similar path to the Bhoys’ decision to highlight controversial decisions at Tynecastle after our defeat to Heart of Midlothian in early March.