Celtic victims of major injustice as unseen James Tavernier controversy analysed – expert
Frank McAvennie has claimed James Tavernier should have been sent off for Rangers against Celtic last weekend (8 April).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker said that he has been booked for celebrating in front of away fans and suggested Tavernier should have been booked twice, given he had no choice than to celebrate his two goals in front of opposing supporters.
The derby was marred by a lack of away supporters after neither side of the Old Firm could agree on an allocation and both teams decided to lock out away fans for the remaining league fixtures at Parkhead and Ibrox.
As shown on Sky Sports (8 April), the Gers captain scored twice in Celtic’s 3-2 derby win last weekend and was forced to celebrate in front of Hoops fans.
McAvennie claimed Tavernier should have seen red as a result of the disagreement between the Glasgow clubs.
“I got booked about three or four times in my career for celebrating with the opposing supporters,” he told Football Insider.
“I am thinking well Tavernier should have been sent off then because he celebrated twice with the supporters but it was not his own.
“I was thinking what are the rules? It is a stupid rule.
“When he scored there was just nothing and it is not good for football.
“It was a great atmosphere before the game but when it starts you want opposing fans there. I really hope that they get it sorted out because it just was not the same.“
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