Celtic denied advantage as McInnes benefits from pressure on refs | OneFootball

Celtic were beaten by Rangers in a sobering afternoon for the Scottish Champions. Ryan Naderi’s strike settled the affair as Martin O’Neill’s side look devoid of ideas. While Celtic struggled for openings, they appear to have been impacted by a decision going against them with the game at 0-0.

Former Scottish FA referee Bobby Madden believes Rangers should have been reduced to ten men during Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Celtic. Emmanuel Fernandez was booked by referee John Beaton after only four minutes for bringing down Camilo Durán as the Celtic forward attempted to break.

The Rangers defender was subsequently involved in another incident which prompted Celtic appeals for a second yellow card.

Madden has since reviewed the flashpoint and concluded – on his Instagram channel – that Beaton should have dismissed Fernandez.

The former Premiership referee explained that VAR could not intervene simply to recommend a second yellow card, leaving the decision entirely with the match referee.

It proved a significant moment in a tightly contested derby eventually settled by the first half strike.

Celtic were unable to find an equaliser and suffered their second defeat against Rangers in eight days.

Madden’s assessment will therefore only add to the frustration surrounding an afternoon when Celtic failed to make their periods of possession count.

A cynic might argue that Rangers manager Derek McInnes was able to exert pressure on the officials over the last few weeks, culminating in a major decision going his way. In the lead up to the game, McInnes bemoaned the decision to award a foul against Naderi in the League Cup meeting.