James Tavernier slams the consistency of referee Nick Walsh on major decisions in Rangers vs Celtic
Rangers captain James Tavernier believes his side were on the end of a couple of bad decisions in their defeat against Celtic.
Celtic beat Rangers 3-1 after extra-time at Hampden Park to advance to the Scottish League Cup final at the expense of their Glasgow rivals.
It means the Gers have failed to win either Glasgow derby this season after Celtic and Rangers played out a 0-0 draw at Ibrox earlier in the Scottish Premiership season.
New Rangers manager Danny Rohl experienced his first taste of the fixture, and may also vent his frustration at key decisions like Tavernier.
James Tavernier believes Celtic should have also seen red
Thelo Aasgaard was sent off in the first half for a high challenge on Anthony Ralston which changed the complexion of the contest.
Whilst Tavernier had no complaints about that red card, the Rangers right-back believes two other incidents were unpunished.
“He (Nick Walsh) just said it’s obviously (down to) the force of the stamp,” Tavernier said, as per the Rangers Review, [2nd November].
“But it’s still the intent, the intent is obviously to put a boot on his head. So no matter if it’s hard or soft, it’s still his head.
“That’s obviously their job, but there’s no excuses for us today.
“He’s (Aasgaard) is really disappointed, his head is down, so it’s down to myself and the group to get right behind him.
“Obviously, I felt that decision like that, fair enough. But then, you know, decisions throughout the game, I think you obviously have to carry the same approach.
“You know, Jack gets stood on the head and Dio gets stood in the belly, so those have to be levelled off, I believe.”
Danny Rohl learnt Rangers character
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Rohl did not turn to his defensive options on his bench when Aasgaard was sent off.
Instead Rohl brought on the pace off winger Djeidi Gassama, and Rangers caused Celtic plenty of problems in the second half.
| Shots | 11 |
| Shots on target | 4 |
| Corners | 5 |
Michael Stewart believed Rangers’ penalty was a harsh call by the referee, but Tavernier made no mistake from the spot.
Having shown character to grab an unlikely equaliser, Rangers did not push on and Celtic’s extra man told in extra-time.