Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Matthew Fulton

Michael Beale fumes at VAR as Rangers boss points to Jota 'handball' and rues Alfredo Morelos decision

Michael Beale has vented his frustration at VAR decisions as his side lost 3-2 to Celtic in an Old Firm derby thriller.

The Rangers boss insists his side deserved at 'minimum' a draw against Ange Postecoglou's team as James Tavernier netted a double at Celtic Park but it wasn't enough to down the champions. Twelve points is now the seemingly insurmountable gap for Beale and co as he remains winless in three games against the Hoops. It was as dramatic of a derby as they come with VAR involved again.

And Beale believes that while referee Kevin Clancy had a good showing, that VAR should have highlighted Alfredo Morelos' disallowed goal in the first half as an error. Beale believes it was defender Alistair Johnston who was causing the infringement and also said there was contention over Celtic's second goal due to a supposed Jota 'handball.

READ MORE: Rangers player ratings vs Celtic as James Tavernier nets double in battling derby day defeat

He told BBC Sportsound: "It's a strong performance that's marred by two mistakes. I won't pick holes in the boys for that. They were two players that played well. My boys played well today. The minimum we deserved was a draw

"I'm disappointed in one or two of the decisions today from the VAR officials - not Kevin [Clancy] on the pitch. If you look at the goal for Alfredo you look at the number on the back of shirt. Why is their guy not trying to play the ball? Only Alfredo is.

"They both have a hold of each other but only Alfredo's shirt is twisted around the back. I think it's a goal. It's a soft one if we don't get it.

"When Ben Davies heads the ball off Jota it hits his arm. It's not outside his body but it does hit his arm. If we're so picky on one moment I think we need to be as picky as the other one."

READ NEXT:

- Leigh Griffiths nets Mandurah City brace as ex-Celtic striker breaks duck in five-goal thriller

- Patrick Roberts on the Celtic bond with Kieran Tierney as he gushes over Parkhead 'privilege'

- Callum McGregor in Celtic 'trust the process' rallying cry as he lays out key factor in Rangers plan

- Andy Walker drops VAR bombshell as he reveals 'easiest way out' conversation on major decision

- Celtic vs Rangers on TV: Channel, live stream and kick-off details for crunch Old Firm derby clash

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.