Referee Nick Walsh is coming under fire following the conclusion of Celtic’s League Cup semi-final against Rangers on Sunday.
It wasn’t too long ago that the two clubs were producing one of the most boring Glasgow derbies in history.
But normal service resumed at Hampden, with Celtic beating Rangers after extra time in an enthralling, all-action, typically aggressive and drama-filled encounter.
Rangers captain James Tavernier got front row seats to it all, and he shared the conversation he had with Walsh on the pitch.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty ImagesJames Tavernier reacts to Thelo Aasgaard and Auston Trusty’s red card incidents
In the first half, Thelo Aasgaard was sent off for booting Anthony Ralston in the groin. Walsh issued a straight red, and it was then backed by VAR.
But Rangers are arguing that Auston Trusty should have also been sent off just before the break for his boot to Jack Butland’s face, with Tavernier telling Premier Sports that Walsh mentioned that there was a lack of force from the Celtic man compared to his counterpart.
Even though Tavernier said Rangers have ‘no excuses’ over the result, he still cried over the result by using nothing but excuses.
“He has obviously said with Thelo, it’s the force of how he has gone into the challenge,” said Tavernier.
“He (Aasgaard) hasn’t really seen Ralston going for the ball. He has just gone for the ball.
“But with Jack diving on the floor, he got the ball, and he gets kicked in the head. No matter what intent it is. It’s still intent. You can’t kick a goalkeeper in the head. You would expect the same level of approach.
“Then obviously further into the game, Dio (Diomandé) gets kicked in the stomach area, just where you would say it’s the same place, and nothing is done.
“No excuses. That’s no excuse. We have to, as a team, be more clinical in that game.”
Celtic hero Martin O’Neill beats Rangers again
Seeing Martin O’Neill in Celtic colours again is a joy to behold, because he has added a serious dose of energy and quality back into this Celtic side.
When O’Neill last faced Rangers, it was during the mid-noughties, and the Gers were a different animal back then because they were actually challenging for the title.
But this current Rangers side, for over a decade now, have struggled and been slapped by Celtic time and time again, as O’Neill added to his record against the Gers.
O’Neill’s games vs Rangers: 25Wins: 14Draws: 3Losses: 8Goals scored: 39Goals conceded: 33