'Incredible' - Michael Stewart reacts to Rangers controversy v Celtic after watching footage again

Michael Stewart cannot believe that Rangers were not awarded a penalty in their Scottish League Cup final defeat to Celtic on Sunday.

The Light Blues’ defence of the League Cup came to an unsuccessful end after they lost 5-4 on penalties at Hampden on 15 December after a 3-3 draw, but the pundit believes they were hard done by.

He is positive that Vaclav Cerny was fouled by Liam Scales in the box in extra time and is baffled that VAR missed what he thinks was a “no-brainer” decision after watching the footage again.

“As soon as it happened, I’m thinking that’s a penalty, or at least it’s incredibly close”, Stewart said on Premier Sports’ The Scottish Football Social Club (December 16).

“So, the fact is that it’s not like an instant that VAR could miss, the incident is there for all to see, a free-kick has been given.

“So, all VAR has to really check here is Cerny in the box at any point when Scales is pulling his shorts, and the answer to that is yes, it’s a penalty kick!

“That really sort of drifted by without a great deal of scrutiny until afterwards and folks start talking about it then.

“But, at the time, it’s a no-brainer. It’s quite incredible that VAR missed that.”

Michael Stewart is right about Rangers controversy v Celtic

Stewart is right in criticising the officials for not giving Philippe Clement’s side a penalty for the foul on Cerny and the Ibrox outfit are evidently frustrated.

It emerged on Monday (16 December) that new CEO Patrick Stewart has contacted the Scottish FA to demand clarification about the controversial decision [Rangers Review].

He took charge in his new role in Govan on Monday and one of his first tasks was to get in touch with officials at Hampden, including referees chief Willie Collum.

It remains to be seen what the SFA will now say regarding the incident.

Regardless of what they say, Rangers will have to put Sunday’s disappointment behind them and look to return to winning ways back when they play next.

The Light Blues are set to host Dundee at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday (21 December).

With a new chairman and CEO in place, there is a sense of positivity around Ibrox despite the disappointing result at Hampden.

In other Rangers news, the Light Blues have been accused of being happy to make money off “thugs” after fan violence on Sunday.

For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post 'Incredible' - Michael Stewart reacts to Rangers controversy v Celtic after watching footage again appeared first on Ibrox News.