AJF

Celtic concede their first penalty in all competitions this season in March, and this is Rodgers’ reaction

Rodgers calling the officials out by name. Not a peep about their penalty award either

Lennon is going to combust

@Jinky67

Aye, there will definitely be bias at play, but I feel it’s one of those where Casey goes in with a lot of force and quite a high foot. It’s not really an issue to be fair. It’s certainly not a red or that controversial a moment. It was more about Clement’s comments I was discussing with the injury probably heightening his tension.

Another prime example yesterday as to how VAR is ruining our sport. A ridiculously long delay to award a penalty at Ibrox at a time when the atmosphere was building, the game was competitive and tempers were boiling over - everything that we love to see. The stoppage killed that for a prolonged period of time and I felt it sapped a lot of the energy that was going around the place. As an aside, it also highlights again how referees are potentially shirking out of decisions. I know we won’t be alone in this, but I believe that’s our last 4 penalties we’ve been given that haven’t been awarded by the on-field referee at the time. I still don’t believe that the St Johnstone handball decision should’ve been retrospectively penalised, but there’s a pattern developing where referees just aren’t making calls it seems.

Can’t help but feel this is hyperbole. What were his actual comments in regards to the tackle? I don’t think that is a particularly controversial comment to make. I don’t think it was worthy of a red as some online might be suggesting, however not being given as a foul is a bit confusing. I also believe his comments are probably born out of frustration with our ongoing injury issues. We’ve lost Cantwell recently to a poor tackle, with Sima and Cortes out as well we’re having to resort to playing Sterling out wide which just isn’t really his position. And now McCausland picking up a knock he is likely a bit bitter about it.

Aren’t all managers though? Hearing him yesterday he doesn’t seem to be excusing our frailties. We’ve won a trophy, qualified from a tough European group and have clawed back a large points deficit under him. As I said, plenty of credit in the bank, but obviously as you mention, that will be dependent on future success.

Given your original comment on it was “if that was Joe Hart you’d say x, y and z” then I think so

That’s it. I felt yesterday was a prime example as to why VAR is deteriorating our game from a match-going perspective. We ended up with a penalty, sure, but the wait and subsequent added on time just isn’t worth it. It totally kills things. I fucking hate it.

I think… point proven?

Got to disagree. He has plenty of credit in the bank and is very well liked by the support.

I’m working on the basis it’s just Jinky likely being precious about my criticisms of Joe Hart.

Of course it’s not. I’m just not sure what you’re expecting me to say when I’ve not had a great view of it. I think the Hart comparison shows that it’s more to do with my criticisms of him a few days ago, particularly when others are saying Butland didn’t do much wrong.

I‘m not so sure. This started off with a criticism of Butland and when I say I’d need to see it again as it was quite a bit away from me it morphs to Tav. I could’ve lambasted Goldson and Souttar’s defending quite easily, but rather I praised Bair for isolating and getting the better of them. Similarly at the second goal I praised the cross in. That’s not the same as not laying blame on others, it’s just a different focus, particularly when I’d need to see it again having not had the benefit of watching multiple replays.

I do with Tav? I don’t believe I do. He gets criticism when warranted, I just believe what he brings to the team is something we will massively miss when it’s gone. His good outweighs the bad, but that’s not to overlook the bad.

This is honestly flabbergasting. It’s certainly not a point of view that can be consistent with anyone that has watched Rangers consistently this season under both Beale and Clement.

I will wait to see it back as it’s the opposite side of the ground from me, but if there’s one player that gets a bye, then it’s Butland. I think it’s disingenuous to suggest it’s not both. I’m sure before today Clement’s points per game ratio was something like 2.7 in the league? I could be mistaken, but if so, that is outstanding form.

It is if it wins us the league It’s finely in the balance, which is a drastic improvement from the situation Beale left us in.

Away. He has infinitely improved us since Beale. The fact we are 2 ahead after being 7 or 8 behind proves that (albeit having played a game more).

Meh. Terrible result, on a day I don’t think we played terribly, but just couldn’t find that clinical touch to finish our chances. Motherwell started really well and were worthy of their lead. Half time then came at a bad time as we’d just started to turn the screw. Carried on into the second half up til the penalty (VAR again shows how bad it is for a match-going fan with how long that took). Then we just witnessed kamikaze defending. We had plenty of time so I don’t know why we kept pushing so high and letting Bair get Goldson isolated. He got the better of him time and time again and got Motherwell up the park. We just needed to settle a little bit and drop off at times. Second ‘Well goal is a wonder cross and it just seemed to kill our momentum. Had a couple of chances late on with balls blocked and swiped out of danger but not enough. We looked leggy as the game progressed, and with another injury we now seem to be losing the depth that we need at the wrong time of the season. A little perspective needed with it being our first dropped points in, what, 10 games? And still top for the time being but that could be a massively damaging result.

Confirmation that Cortes will miss this after picking up an injury on Wednesday. Could mean we see one of Silva, Wright or Lawrence on the left, unless Matondo is available or Clement utilises Sterling there again. Doubt it'll be Lawrence as we will need him more centrally with Cantwell out so I'd prefer it to be Silva with Dessers coming in through the middle. Confirmation that Roofe and Jack are available and I'd bet my house on Ridvan starting after Barisic's horror show at Rugby Park.

I thought I’d have a look and watch it back to see if my opinion would differ. The incident is at 2:20 of the video below: It’s obviously subjective, but I don’t think there is enough there to impede Polworth and give a foul. He brushes Diomande off and the contact evidently isn’t enough to bring him down.