In an intriguing twist ahead of this weekend's highly anticipated Old Firm clash, betting experts have revealed that Rangers' chances of being awarded a penalty at Celtic Park are at their highest ever.
According to casinoapps.com, the odds stand at 8/1 for the Light Blues to secure a spot-kick during Sunday’s match.
It’s been a long wait for Rangers, who last received a penalty at their rivals' home ground back in October 2010.
On that occasion, Kenny Miller found the net in a 3-1 victory, but since then, the trend has not favoured them.
In fact, the Ibrox side has only been awarded one league penalty in an Old Firm match throughout the years that have past, which came during a 2-2 draw at Ibrox last January, converted by James Tavernier.
As anticipation builds, the appointment of referee John Beaton, with Andrew Dallas overseeing VAR, has sparked lively discussions on social media.
Many Celtic supporters have voiced concerns about perceived inconsistencies in officiating, claiming their team often faces unfair treatment.
Despite the heightened odds, experts remain skeptical about Tavernier adding to his impressive penalty record this Sunday.
With both teams set to face off in what promises to be an electrifying Scottish Premiership encounter, all eyes will be on whether Rangers can break their long-standing penalty drought at Celtic Park.
Read more:
-
'I will always make myself available': Hagi clarifies Rangers stance
-
Vaclav Cerny believes the best is yet to come from him at Rangers
Casinoapps.com spokesman Shane Orton said: “We can see from the stats that the big two don’t often get awarded penalties away from home in the Old Firm derby.
“Given that the last league penalty Rangers received at Celtic Park was 14 years ago confirms that but it also points to the dominance Celtic have had in this fixture in that period, particularly at home.
“Some might point to the fact that the stadium will be entirely populated by home support and would argue that the partisan atmosphere could impact decision-making. So as ever, the officials will be under enormous pressure and will have to remain strong throughout.
“Whatever happens there will be talking points and it would come as no surprise if VAR played a part.
“The term penalty to Rangers has become part if Scottish football folklore but the stats show that it’s not necessarily the case when they are lining up against the men in green and white.
“Of course they won’t be in the opposition box as much as they are against other teams so that will partly explain it.”
Here are a selection of the odds:
Rangers awarded a penalty 8/1
Celtic awarded a penalty 11/4
A penalty in the match 13/8
Both teams to get a penalty 18/1
Rangers to get a red card 2/1
Celtic to get a red card 11/2
A red card in the match 11/8
Both teams to get a red card 12/1
Clement red card 4/1
Rodgers red card 9/1
Either manager red card 9/4
Both managers sent off 20/1
