Scottish League Cup final: Philippe Clement and Brendan Rodgers react to slump after Rangers penalty denied against Celtic | football news

Philippe Clement claims “all of Europe” has been talking about the controversial decision not to take a penalty in the League Cup final, while Brendan Rodgers believes “there is always a narrative” after a game between Celtic and the rangers

Scotland referees boss Willie Collum admitted on Thursday that the Blues were denied a legitimate kick-off against Celtic at Hampden Park and described the role of VAR Alan Muir and his assistant Frank Connor in the “really poor” and “unacceptable” decision. .

With Sunday’s game tied at 3-3 in extra-time, referee John Beaton called a foul just outside the Hoops’ box when Celtic defender Liam Scales tackled Gers winger Vaclav Cerny.

Despite TV replays – and a VAR review – showing the foul was inside the area, the on-field decision was not changed and, after the free-kick was missed, Celtic won 5-4 in the penal

Rangers boss Clement spoke of the moment that “will stick in the back of our heads for the rest of our lives” as he looked to move on to league business.

The Belgian said: “It is difficult because after the game you feel that the rules of the game are not being followed.

“Many times there is a gray area in decision-making. This time there was no gray area, that is very clear to everyone.

“And there’s nobody in the world who has a different view on that.

“It’s been good that there’s been transparency from Willie Collum, and openness and honesty about what happened and his thoughts on the situation. He was very clear about that.

“In the end it doesn’t help the result because it’s a defining moment for the game, but we appreciate the honesty and everyone at the club hopes that Willie is not alone in his fight to improve standards, but everyone at the top. of the SFA also have the same ambition to improve things. These things cannot happen, because not only is Rangers losing a game like this, it is also very bad publicity for Scottish football.

“And all over Europe it’s been talking about what happened in that final and it’s a shame, because they were two good teams playing a good game of football with everything every fan wants in a game, with the quality, the intensity, the relentlessness, quality, intensity, urgency, quality, intensity, and relentlessness.” with everything

“And there’s been a lot more talk about the defining moment of the game. So it’s a shame for Scottish football.

“But for us, it’s very important to stop thinking about it now, because we have a very important game against Dundee tomorrow (Saturday) and that’s what I spoke to the players about this week, you can’t keep thinking about what happened .

“We have to focus now on what we have been doing and do that in the game against Dundee and take the three points.

“We don’t have the luxury that other people have to stay in that (last) moment.

“The fans have that opportunity. They can do that, but I also hope they see how hard this team is working, what they’re doing on the pitch, and support them as they’ve done brilliantly in these last two games.

“And that doesn’t change because of what happened in the final.”

Rodgers: There’s always a narrative

Brendan Rodgers says there is “always a narrative” after Old Firm games but insists his side are just focused on winning and continuing their success.

The Celtic manager has 20 home games against Rangers and has lost just one.

“I always feel like there’s some kind of narrative after every game,” he said.

“Whether that should have been a penalty, whether it’s a red card, whether it’s not, even the penalties that are awarded when it’s offside! There’s always something in the narrative.

“I can understand why you might look at it. When I look at it and evaluate it, I think from the footage I saw it was probably because of the initial foul that was clearly not in play, but of course go ahead and it goes to the criminal aspect.

“The bottom line is that whatever happens in the game, you have to go with it.

“For us, we can only control what we can and that was to go on and win the game. There’s always something after a Celtic Rangers game.

“I think it’s always been recognized that even with VAR there will be human error.

“The boys are not machines, they are looking for a calmer position than the pressure of the game, but it is still a matter of interpretation.

“Clearly one of the VAR guys felt the initial foul was far from the incident when it went on.

“That’s his expert opinion as an official. There’s always going to be that element of human error and sometimes it goes for it and sometimes it goes against it.”