Rangers fans are growing increasingly frustrated with decisions consistently favoring Celtic in Old Firm derbies, with VAR usage in Glasgow under intense scrutiny.
The latest controversy revolves around Vaclav Cerny’s penalty claim against Celtic, which was denied despite replays clearly showing Liam Scales fouling him inside the penalty area. VAR failed to intervene, prompting Rangers to contact the SFA for clarification after another setback at Hampden Park.
This incident is just one in a series of contentious calls that have gone Celtic’s way in the fixture, raising questions about the inconsistent application of VAR. Here’s a breakdown of seven key decisions fueling Rangers fans’ discontent:
Celtic 3-2 Rangers (08/04/23)
This match marked the first major controversy involving VAR in the Old Firm. Alfredo Morelos had a goal disallowed for allegedly fouling Celtic’s Alistair Johnston during a corner, despite replays showing minimal contact. The decision, upheld after a VAR check, left Rangers “astonished” and led to a formal complaint to the SFA, who later backed the call.
Rangers 0-1 Celtic (03/09/23)
In the following season’s opener at Ibrox, Kemar Roofe thought he’d given Rangers the lead after Cyriel Dessers dispossessed Gustaf Lagerbielke. However, VAR ruled the goal out for a foul by Dessers, despite replays showing no clear infraction. Celtic went on to win through a Kyogo Furuhashi strike, a result that ultimately contributed to Michael Beale losing his job as Rangers manager.
Celtic 2-1 Rangers (30/12/23)
This match featured one of the most debated VAR decisions. Celtic’s Alistair Johnston appeared to handle the ball in the box, but no penalty was awarded. VAR later justified the decision with an offside call against Abdallah Sima, but this explanation came well after the incident, leading to accusations of a cover-up. Rangers demanded audio recordings of the decision, branding the situation “unacceptable.”
Rangers 3-3 Celtic (07/04/24)
In a dramatic clash at Ibrox, Cyriel Dessers had a crucial equalizer ruled out for a foul by Tom Lawrence in the buildup, despite the incident occurring far from the goal. The decision, criticized as “re-refereeing” by pundits, overshadowed an entertaining game in which Rangers eventually salvaged a draw.
Celtic 2-1 Rangers (11/05/24)
During the season’s final Old Firm derby, John Lundstram received a red card for a challenge on Alistair Johnston after VAR intervention. While some agreed with the decision, others, including ex-Rangers striker Kenny Miller, argued that similar tackles in the league had gone unpunished.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers (25/05/24)
In the Scottish Cup Final, Rangers thought they’d taken the lead through Abdallah Sima, only for VAR to disallow the goal for a minor push by Nicolas Raskin on Joe Hart. Many felt the contact was minimal and that VAR should have penalized Hart for holding Raskin. The decision proved pivotal as Celtic secured the trophy with a late goal.
Celtic 3-3 Rangers (15/12/24)
The most recent controversy occurred in extra time at Hampden when Vaclav Cerny was fouled by Liam Scales inside the box. The referee awarded a free kick outside the area, and VAR failed to intervene. Replays confirmed the foul occurred inside the penalty area, sparking outrage among Rangers supporters, who believe VAR is being inconsistently applied in Celtic’s favor.
These repeated controversies have left Rangers fans questioning whether VAR is being used fairly in Old Firm derbies. For many, the lack of accountability and transparency from officials is the most frustrating aspect of these contentious decisions.
