Michael Beale blasted the controversial VAR decision to rule out an Alfredo Morelos goal at Parkhead and claimed the officials also failed to spot a handball at Celtic’s decisive second in a ding-dong five-goal derby thriller at Parkhead.
Rangers boss Beale is adamant the Colombian’s strike should have stood after Kevin Clancy refused to let it stand as he penalised the striker for a foul on Alistair Johnston as they jostled for the ball at a Borna Barisic corner. And he also claims Ben Davies headed the ball off Jota’s arm as the former Liverpool stopper blundered at the second strike for the Hoops.
Davies’ error came after John Souttar had also made a mistake to hand Celtic their second as James Tavernier’s two-goal work – taking him to a century for the club – was undone. But as well as his own players making mistakes, Beale pointed to VAR Nick Walsh for ruling out the Morelos goal which would have given Gers a crucial lead.
The Ibrox boss said: “I’m disappointed with one or two decisions from the officials, the VAR officials, and not Kevin on the pitch. If you look at the goal disallowed for Alfredo Morelos and look at the number on the back of his shirt? Why is their guy not trying to play the ball? Only Alfredo is trying to play the ball. They’ve both got a hold of each other but Alfredo’s number is twisted around the back. I think it’s a goal. It’s a soft one.
“If we don’t get that one then when Ben Davies heads the ball against Jota it hits his arm. It’s not outside his body but it’s hit his arm. So if we’re so picky on one moment then we have to be as picky on the other.
“It was a strong performance marred by two mistakes. I won’t pick holes in the boys for that because it was two players who actually played well in the game. My boys played well and the minimum we deserved was a draw.
“The mistakes in the game, we found ourselves 3-1 behind but we were the stronger team at the start of the second half. We had a big chance with Alfredo Morelos and another one blocked from Alfredo’s header - Ryan Jack blocked it on the way in - and Todd as well so the goals that ultimately came, came against the run of play. It was a good game, two good teams, and my team were definitely part of it and we performed well for the majority of it.”
READ NEXT
