Steven Thompson reckons that Rangers should have been awarded a penalty during their clash with Celtic after Callum McGregor’s clash with Ianis Hagi.
The Romania international came off the bench with the game on a knife edge after Celtic striker Adam Idah cancelled out Cyriel Dessers’ opener inside the Ibrox cauldron.
And there was loud appeals for a spot-kick from the home crowd after Viljami Sinisalo denied Nicolas Raskin – before Hagi attempted to latch on to the rebound.
But Celtic captain McGregor outmuscled the playmaker as he tumbled to the turf in the box but referee Nick Walsh was unmoved.
Thompson said on BBC Sportsound: “On first viewing, for me it’s a penalty kick. The ball breaks in the box, Hagi is going to get onto it and he is spun to the deck. Nick Walsh saw it clearly.”
Commentator Liam McLeod then noted that Andrew Dallas in the VAR room had cleared the flashpoint as Hagi received treatment on the park. Thompson responded: “Really? There you go. That was quick.”
McLeod then explained that interim boss Barry Ferguson and the home bench had continued the protests with fourth official.
He said: “The Rangers cavalry are surrounding the fourth official Kevin Clancy. Neil McCann and Billy Dodds are in his ear – as was Barry Ferguson.
“It seems fairly cut and dry that McGregor got a touch on it. Jack Butland is also having a word with the four official. It’s Neil McCann’s turn now…”
Thompson interjected: “It was a very quick decision from the VAR officials. They must have been certain.”
Chris Sutton clamped the penalty claims on Sky Sports. The Celtic hero said: “McGregor just gets his body in. He just eases him out.”
Former SFA referee Des Roache told the Rangers bench that It wasn’t enough for a penalty on Hagi.
He told Record Sport: “McGregor used his body and turned around. It’s a contact sport and not every contact is a foul. Rangers bench clutching there for me.”
He also heaped praise on the performance of whistler Walsh during the clash, adding: “That was great Old Firm game for a referee.
“Minimal fuss, contention and controversy. Nick was in control the whole way through.
“The fact the first caution was for Barry Ferguson shows how much issue he had on the pitch with the 22 players. None at all.
“The penalty claim was a talking point but not all contact is a foul. It’s a physical game.
“Both teams can reflect on their own performances whichever way they wish but the referee team can certainly be happy that they done well and no one will be talking about them tomorrow. Job done.”
