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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Frustrated Clement calls out decision to disallow Rangers goal against Celtic

Frustrated Philippe Clement has called out referee Nick Walsh's decision to rule out Abdallah Sima's goal against Celtic.

The Rangers striker appeared to have poked his side ahead after tapping over the line from a corner kick in the Scottish Cup final.

However, John Beaton advised Walsh to review the incident after spotting a push on Joe Hart by Nico Raskin as the ball floated towards the back post. 

Walsh quickly decided the goal should not stand with a free-kick awarded to Celtic and the finish disallowed.

Clement was left stunned by the "really big call" as he questioned the decision citing a push on Dujon Sterling from Liam Scales that went unpunished and claimed Celtic players had their arms around Rangers players' necks and waists at corners.

In his post-match press conference, Clement said: "If you have the scenario also that you score goals and they are disallowed in that way, that is also in that moment a disappointment.

"If I compare with the push that Scales gave to Dujon Sterling in the first half, it's a much bigger push than what happened with Joe Hart today.

"If I see also how all the Celtic defenders are grabbing my players and having their arms around their neck and around their waist...it's a really big call to make to disallow the goal."

Asked whether he had discussed the matter with Walsh after the major flashpoint, the Ibrox manager added: "Nothing special. It is their decision. They are honest, they make their decisions.

"It is a grey area that one, it is not white or black so they make their decision.

"Of course, as a manager, you are disappointed about that after the game."

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