Rangers and Celtic’s latest news following their European defeats
A former English Premier League referee was perplexed by a decision in Celtic’s loss to Braga, while Rangers board members were challenged by fans in Graz.
Celtic failed to score at home for the second game in a row, losing 2-0 against the Portuguese team. Ricardo Horta’s 30-yard speculative shot should have been easily dealt with by Kasper Schmeichel, but it hit the back of the net. Then, in the second half, Kelechi Iheanacho thought he had equalised for the Hoops, but VAR ruled that he had handled the ball in the build-up. Gabri Martinez quickly clinched the victory for the visitors.
Rangers fell 2-1 to Sturm Graz across the city, making Russell Martin’s Europa League record two defeats in a row. Tomi Horvat and Otar Kiteishvili scored in the first half to give the home team a two-goal lead at the break. Rangers responded with a goal from Djeidi Gassama, but they were unable to salvage a point. As pressure mounts on Martin, fans have been videotaped confronting the Gers board following their terrible run of performances.
Here’s the latest news from Celtic Park and Ibrox:
Ex Premier League referee shocked by Iheanacho’s handball ruling
Keith Hackett was astounded by the decision to remove Celtic’s goal on Thursday night. Had Iheanacho’s goal stood, the entire dynamic of the game would have shifted, and The Hoops would have most certainly gotten something out of it.
The former Premier League referee told Football Insider: “The match officials, referee Tobias Stieler (and) video assistant referee Christian Dingert, got this decision completely wrong.” There is no handball offence. If viewers study closely at the video replay, they will notice that there is no touch between the ball and the scorer’s hand or arm. There was no handball offence, and the goal should have been permitted. Celtic have every reason to be dissatisfied with this referee’s decision.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was likewise perplexed by the decision. In his post-match interview, he stated: “For the life of me, I don’t understand why it wasn’t given, because it’s not even close to being handball.” We are still awaiting an explanation for that.”
Thelwell accosted at Graz hotel
Following Rangers’ defeat in Austria, footage emerged of a fan engaging in a verbal conflict with Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell. Robbie Thelwell, the 51-year-old’s son, was recently appointed Rangers’ new head of recruitment, in what Ally McCoist characterised as a ‘bizarre’ backroom staff shake-up.
Patrick Stewart, the Rangers CEO, was also targeted by the irate fan. Since the loss to Hearts, posters have appeared all around Ibrox stating that supporters want Stewart and Martin out of the club.
The supporter was heard shouting: “Why are you bringing it back on the fans?” It is rotting. Michael Beale would have defeated each of these teams. Philippe Clement would have beaten them too. Michael Beale would have defeated Genk. Michael Beale would have defeated Dundee.
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