The tension between Clement and Lennon only intensified as the match unfolded, with both managers vehemently defending their respective positions on the penalty decisions made by referee John Beaton, who found himself at the center of the controversy.
Clement’s dissatisfaction with the decision to award a penalty due to a handball left Lennon baffled by the intensity of his reaction to the VAR intervention in the game. The Celtic manager couldn’t fathom Clement’s insistence that the penalty for Rangers was legitimate, going as far as describing the handball incident as “absolute waffle.”
Lennon expressed his disbelief, stating, “You watch it back and the contact is minimal. He basically runs into him. The way he falls is just embarrassing. Philippe’s comments afterwards about the handball being a penalty were rubbish.” This clash of opinions highlighted the stark contrast in perspectives on the controversial calls made during the match.
Furthermore, Clement was adamant that the penalty awarded to Rangers was just, arguing that a foul on Fabio Silva had been overlooked and that the Portuguese forward had unfairly received a yellow card. In his defense of these claims, Clement emphasized the importance of VAR in providing an unbiased and accurate assessment of key match incidents.
The heated exchange between the two managers underscored the crucial role that VAR played in the outcome of the game, as both penalties awarded and a disallowed goal significantly impacted the final result. The contentious decision to award a penalty to Rangers remained a point of contention among fans and observers alike, raising doubts about the fairness and consistency of officiating in the match.
