Rangers legend Allan McGregor has slammed Scotland’s “state” of referees after a contentious call during the Scottish Cup final against Celtic.
The former No.1 had a heated argument with Neil Lennon after referee Nick Walsh chose not to penalise Cameron Carter-Vickers for a first-half foul on Cyriel Dessers in the penalty box, which resulted in the Rangers striker limping off at half-time. Walsh, the man in the middle, was in for a busy afternoon after John Beaton sent him to the monitor to stop a goal from Abdallah Sima that appeared to be the opener. The referee chose to award a free kick to Joe Hart following what appeared to be a push from Nicolas Raskin in the build-up as the corner was fired in towards the outgoing Hoops No1.
Adam Idah then appeared in the final moments of the game to punish Rangers, following in on an effort that was blocked by Jack Butland and firing under the Light Blues No. 1 to send the green and white half of Mount Florida wild. It proved to be the winning moment for Brendan Rodgers’ team, who completed a double after winning the Scottish Premiership.
It was party time for Idah and his teammates, but the studio analysts were just getting started. However, the fight between the former Old Firm stars was already brewing before the final whistle. Liam Scales appeared to concede a free kick when he pushed Dujon Sterling off the ball. At halftime, Lennon commented on the incident, saying, “Yeah, it’s a clear free kick. He pushed him in the back and took him out at the knees. I’m not sure why he hasn’t given that to Liam Scales. I think he’s fortunate to get away with it.”
McGregor responded, ‘It’s mind boggling. To be fair, the current state of these referees does not surprise me…” Lennon attempted to defuse the rant by saying, “Oh, he is on one now.” Undeterred, McGregor continued: “Oh yeah, I’m on one. The linesman is approximately 15 yards away. He has two hands on his back; what is he looking at? It doesn’t surprise me, to be honest.”
Carter-Vickers’ heavy challenge on Dessers was then flagged on Premier Sports. Lennon responded, saying, “It’s a good block from O’Riley.” It’s a good follow-up from Carter-Vickers; it’s a tough challenge, but clean. There is no hint of a penalty there. Carter-Vickers gives a good reaction, and Dessers goes over. It’s not a punishment, no way.”
McGregor was having none of it, saying, “I still think it’s a big naughty…” Lennon responded, “There is no touch on the follow through…” McGregor continued, ‘I understand that. My wee pal in her Hampden room once told me that if you want to endanger the opponent, you have to touch them, and she said no.” And, referring to Celtic captain Callum McGregor’s yellow card at the time, he added: “He is just lucky his name is not Cameron Carter-Vickers or Cameron Callum-McGregor, or it could have been a red.”
Clement was irritated by the Rangers’ lack of a goal, and he chastised the officials and VAR for dismissing Abdallah Sima’s effort. He cited Scales’ earlier push on Sterling, which went unpunished, but former referee Bobby Madden quickly defended his former colleagues. He stated: “You see evidence here; it’s a push. You can argue all day about how the goalkeeper should be stronger, but it’s a push. Correctly denied. “No goal.”
On the disallowed effort on the hour, the Belgian stated, “We had to score at that time today.” However, it is disappointing to score and have it disallowed in this manner. Especially when I compare it to Scales’ push for Sterling in the first half. It’s a much more significant push than what happened to Hart.
“I also witnessed Celtic defenders grabbing my players and wrapping their arms around their necks and waists at that time. It was a huge decision to prohibit that goal. It’s their call. They’re honest, but it’s a grey area, not black or white, and he made the decision. Of course, as a manager, I am disappointed.”
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