Celtic’s 1-0 win over Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday was a masterclass in resilience and skill. In a hostile atmosphere with no Celtic fans to back them, the Bhoys pulled off a crucial victory, thanks to a sublime goal from Japanese striker Kyogo Furuhashi. The win puts Celtic four points clear at the top of the table, but it wasn’t without its share of controversy.
Rangers fans and their management were quick to bemoan a disallowed goal in the first half. Michael Beale, Rangers’ assistant manager, even suggested that Celtic’s new defender, Lagerbielke, was fortunate to have the VAR decision go his way. But was it really luck, or was it a matter of following the rules of the game?
Enter Bobby Madden, a former Scottish referee who has had a somewhat strained relationship with the Celtic fanbase over the years. Madden took to his Instagram to clarify why the decision to disallow the Rangers goal was absolutely correct. He wrote on Instagram, “The defender is in control, the defender’s action is to play the ball with his left foot. This is the important part, the attacker has not played the ball at this point, and puts his foot between the defender and the ball, it’s a foul anywhere on the pitch no matter what happens thereafter.”
Madden further elaborated, “Live, like most people watching, you would never think it’s a foul. Naturally, you’d think he’s messed about and been caught on the ball. But when you have VAR and all the angles, you cannot allow a goal with all that evidence.”
It’s not every day that Celtic fans find themselves agreeing with Bobby Madden, but his expertise in this matter is hard to dispute. His explanation makes it abundantly clear: Lagerbielke was fouled, and the goal was rightly disallowed.
This win is more than just a collection of three points; it’s a statement of intent from Celtic. The team showed resilience, skill, and a fighting spirit that should make every fan proud. They navigated through a hostile environment and emerged victorious, extending their lead in the league. And as for the disallowed goal? Well, it just goes to show that sometimes, even amidst controversy, justice prevails.
So let’s savour this win and look forward to the exciting season ahead. Here’s hoping the Bhoys continue to show the same level of grit and determination in the matches to come. Onward and upward, Celtic!
