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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Pundits deliver verdict over Rangers vs Celtic disallowed goal

It's the decision that has split opinion throughout Scottish football.

Kemar Roofe thought he'd fired Rangers in front against Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday afternoon.

The striker composed himself before finishing past Joe Hart after being played in by Cyriel Dessers. The Dutchman dispossessed Gustaf Lagerbielke deep inside Celtic's half.

Amid the raucous celebrations, referee Don Robertson was advised by VAR to check the situation at his pitchside monitor for a potential foul by Dessers on the Hoops new boy.

After reviewing, the on-field official decided to chop the goal off. Kyogo would then go on to score, and the game finished 1-0 Celtic.

In the Sky studio at half time, Kris Body was furious about the disallowed goal, insisting it should have stood. Neil Lennon was of the opinion that VAR and the officials had come to the correct outcome.

It comes as little surprise that the pundits on BBC Sportscene could not come to an agreement over the incident either.

Ex-Rangers ace Neil McCann said: "I am always very honest as you know but I think this should stand. I just want to direct you to Lagerbielke's reaction and then Callum McGregor. It's a good ball by Dessers but look at the reaction of both players.

"They aren't looking at the referee. Callum McGregor has turned away in disgust because his centre-back has been caught under pressure and has been robbed.

"I think the goal should stand, Lagerbielke has actually kicked Dessers by getting himself in front and that happens 20 times a game."

Former Parkhead player Charlie Mulgrew then explained: "The Celtic player is delayed on the ball and he has to be better.

"But in the action he has tried to play it back to his goalkeeper and that is probably the right thing to do.

"Dessers has stopped that action from happening and I understand if he puts his leg there and touches the ball with his first motion, he's went and won the ball.

"He has put his leg there knowing he's stopping the Celtic player from playing it back to his goalkeeper so in that action he's created a foul.

"If Dessers goes down Rangers get the foul. So it is the grey area here, it's a funny one and one of the ones where it's hard to call. No matter how much you talk about it, it's really difficult to call, it's about opinions.

"If it had been inside the box and Dessers was about to have a finish, the shoe is on the other foot, and the Celtic defender puts his foot in front of Dessers and blocks him from shooting, it's probably going to be a penalty to Rangers.

"So if you look at it the other way you can see why the referee has given a foul in that instance."

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