Without the benefits of a Scottish referee Phil Clement has hit out at the penalty that his side conceded to Benfica in the Europa League.
It seems that the former Monaco boss has quickly become used to the special rules of Scottish football where Goldson’s Law is used to excuse or ignore multiple handball issues with Ibrox players while it contrives to award penalties against their opponents or Celtic.
Over their last 85 SPFL matches just one penalty has been awarded against Charles Green’s Tribute Act, in Europe things have been a little different.
Last season four penalties were awarded against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side in 10 matches while they escaped unpunished through 38 SPFL matches refereed by John Beaton, Steven McLean, Alan Muir and friends.
Against Benfica German referee Tobias Stieler awarded the Portuguese side a penalty when John Souttar threw his arm up to block a cross, that decision came as a shock to Clement.
Well, well he’s at it again… pic.twitter.com/3X6kKXzEtD
— OverandOver… (@keeptryinglads) March 7, 2024
It’s very harsh. I have said it already a few times but I don’t agree with where the game is going with the handball situation, but those are the rules. I had more problems with some situations in the last few weeks, but with this one gets given because of the rules.
But as someone who loves football I have difficulty with those rules, like all other managers and players.
It is too harsh now that a ball that is clearly not intended to hit your arm is given as a penalty the moment it touches you. Too many games all over the world are decided in this way but those are the rules.
Maybe when I am finished as a manager I can do something to make the game more simple again and for referees also, as it’s difficult for them too.
It will be back to business as usual and Goldson’s Law at Easter Road on Sunday with McLean refereeing the match with serial offender Steven Kirkland from Ayrshire on VAR duty.
Have the Celtic board backed Brendan Rodgers since Tynecastle?
Yes, quietly expressing concerns to the SFA
No, the usual spineless surrender we expected
Will he be up in front of eufa
If there’s any justice in the foootball world at all…
sevco will lose the return leg at ibrox,
by a highly questionable penalty awarded to Benfica,
– for handball of course! 🙂
I’m possibly in the minority here Bob (original) but I actually hope that they get to the semi finals and then lose…
I say this because I truly think that it’ll be the only way that we will win the title I’m afraid if the start to suffer from fatigue…
Though this is even doubtful as when they went to Seville they had a gruelling extra time game prior to their Scottish Cup semi final v Celtic while we had a free week and yet they outsmarted us fitness wise even if they only prevailed with an offside goal with the aid once again of cheats with whistles, flags and monitors in Scotland !
They could concievably win the Quadruple, Clachnacuddin and the Hoops!
And where would Celtic be then?
Battered, bruised and lying face down in the gutter!
At least then Celtic fans would realise exactly where we are as a football Club!
With all the pens he and his mob have been awarded to keep their position artificially doped in the early stage of him coming in you think he’d be used to seeing it,
Scottish press this morning behaving like they went over there and won 3 – 0
and totally spewing about a penalty award
What he is highlighting subconsciously is that in Europe the rules are applied. Its the same rules in Scotland yet not applied to Sevco.
The question we need to know the answer too is why do Celtic and a successful businessman like Desmond allow the only rival to have those rules adjusted to allow them access to massive revenues and trophies.
I’m on record as being certain Sevco will prevail this year and it is due to a mixture of decline, recruitment and acceptance that Sevco have their own rules.
This is why we need a clean sweep and different strategy to improve recruitment and governance.