Dermot Gallagher, a former English Premier League referee, provided in-depth analysis of the key moments from the Rangers vs Celtic match at Ibrox, supporting referee John Beaton’s decisions. There was controversy surrounding Beaton’s appointment for the Old Firm game, but Gallagher believed he handled the challenging match well, making correct decisions with the aid of VAR.
Gallagher praised Beaton’s intervention in awarding Celtic a penalty for a clear handball by Goldson, leading to a goal by O’Riley. He also defended Silva against accusations of diving, explaining Johnston’s actions in the collision. The overturned penalty decision for Rangers, where Johnston fouled Silva in the box, was thoroughly evaluated by Gallagher, who deemed it a fair call despite the confusion on the field.
The disallowed goal by Dessers due to a foul on Iwata was a contentious issue, with Gallagher emphasizing the importance of interpreting fouls in the attacking phase of play. Despite concerns raised about Carter-Vickers’ aggressive play, Gallagher clarified the referee’s dilemma in handling such situations, emphasizing the need for fair judgment on each individual challenge. Overall, Gallagher’s insights shed light on the intricacies of refereeing in high-stakes matches like the Old Firm derby.
