Ex-Premier League referee issues claim on Celtic goal v Rangers as Chris Sutton fumes – ‘phwoar’
Rangers can have no complaints with the goal Celtic scored in their 2-1 loss in yesterday’s (17 April) Scottish Cup semi-final, according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee insisted he would have awarded the free-kick that led to Greg Taylor’s strike.
As shown on the BBC’s Sportscene programme, Bobby Madden adjudged Kemar Roofe to have fouled Cameron Carter-Vickers just inside the Rangers half.
The ball fell to Taylor after a well-worked routine and he put it past Jon McLaughlin for just his second Celtic goal.
Pundit and Hoops hero Chris Sutton said on Premier Sports, as relayed by the Daily Record, that Madden got the decision wrong.
He also added the 43-year-old had a “shocker” at Hampden Park with a number of crunching tackles from both sides waved away.
Despite former Rangers academy player Taylor opening the scoring with just over 25 minutes to go, Scott Arfield levelled things up 14 minutes later.
The Gers eventually found a winner through a Carl Starfelt own goal as they set up a final with Hearts.
Asked for his verdict on the free-kick in the build-up to Celtic’s goal, Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “Phwoar, I didn’t see much of a foul.
“I suggest that he’s probably got a flag from his assistant so I’m giving a foul for that.
“Yes, looking at it again, I’m giving a foul for that.”
Celtic can now turn their full attention to the league as they sit six points clear of Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a superior goal difference.
The two sides meet in the final Old Firm derby of the season at Parkhead next month (1 May).
In other news, Kieran Maguire has labelled Dermot Desmond as a ‘dictator’ as Celtic takeover stance is revealed.