Ange hits back in style as Neilson blames officials for his team’s defeat to Celtic

Ange Postecoglou fired straight back at Robbie Neilson after the Hearts boss has claimed that his side had lost tonight’s match due to the performances of the match officials.

Neilson’s main complaint was about Celtic’s 33rd minute goal from Kyogo Furuhashi from a Tony Ralston cross. There was a possibility of offside but the pictures from Sky Sports were inconclusive. Scotland is one of the few leagues in Europe that has no VAR despite systems being in use at Celtic Park and Ibrox for Europa League matches.

Referee Bobby Madden had an infuriating match, looking unsure and uncertain which is hardly surprising following the storm over sending off Aberdeen’s Funso Ojo after he was struck by a Dundee United fan.

The referee wasn’t given much help by his assistants, early in the second half a ridiculous offside was given against Carl Starfelt from a corner kick.

Covering the post-match reaction BBC Scotland reported:

“That means the ref’s on three points, he’s still bottom of the league,” says a perplexed Ange Postecoglou when told about Robbie Neilson’s take on the game.

“If anyone thinks the ref decided that game they’re watching a different game to what I am,” he tells BBC Sportsound. “I think we should have won by more goals, that’s my analysis. He has his analysis, he can communicate it the way he wants, I’m communicating it the way I want.”

Earlier they had reported on Neilson’s comments:

We didn’t get beaten by Celtic, we got beat by poor decisions from the officials, that’s the galling thing. I’ve seen it, everyone would agree with it [the goal being offside]. The linesman had a brilliant view. I don’t want to say too much, last time I did, at Ibrox, I had the book thrown at me.

Madden also refereed Hearts v Celtic on the opening day of the season, tonight was his fourth Celtic match of the campaign.