admin“Rangers should have had second red card against Celtic as ex ref picks out incident that flies under the radar
Former top English referee Keith Hackett believes Rangers should have been reduced to nine men during their League Cup semi-final against Celtic at Hampden Park, insisting that a second red card was missed before Thelo Aasgaard’s dismissal.
The Light Blues were already down to ten men after Aasgaard was sent off for a reckless challenge on Anthony Ralston, a decision that has since sparked debate — as has the controversial call not to dismiss Auston Trusty for his high boot on Jack Butland.
However, Hackett, a former FIFA referee and ex-head of PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited), highlighted another overlooked incident involving Derek Cornelius and Johnny Kenny.
Speaking to Ibrox News, Hackett said:
“The player launches himself off the ground and into his opponent. That challenge warranted a red card for serious foul play.
It involved excessive force and endangered the safety of his opponent. The referee should have shown a red, not a yellow.”
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner, speaking on BBC Scotland, agreed it was a dangerous tackle:
“That’s a bad, bad tackle — really poor. He’s lucky he was low, but he’s dived in and caught some of the ball. For a centre-half to come in from that distance, it’s reckless. He’s a lucky man.”
Ex-Rangers striker and coach Billy Dodds also felt Cornelius was fortunate to stay on the pitch:
“He’s gone over the ball and caught him on the ankle. He’s low, but lucky — if he’s any higher, I think he’s off.”
admin
