Brendan Rodgers critical of Rangers penalty but praises Celtic players

Originally posted on The Celtic Star | Last updated 4/7/24

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was critical of the decision by John Beaton to award Rangers a second half penalty, which the Irishman said changed the momentum in the fixture. Celtic were 2-0 up when Fabio Silva appeared to dive in the box with the referee flashing a yellow card.

The manager, who recently served a one match ban for comments about Beaton, was coy as he analysed the decision to award the decision. However, he said he thought it was a mistake.

“The penalty changes the momentum of the game, it was a good decision on the pitch.”

“It’s still very much in our hands.”

Brendan Rodgers praises his Celtic side after their 3-3 draw with Rangers & has his say on the title race pic.twitter.com/qJPmI8RmvP

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 7, 2024

Replays showed Alistair Johnston had touched the ball before the winger threw himself to the ground after contact, which Beaton gave after an on-field VAR review. James Tavernier converted the spot kick and Rangers went into the ascendency, probing for an equaliser that they got after 86 minutes.

Celtic responded quickly through Adam Idah before Rabbi Matondo equalised in injury time. The manager will be disappointed that his team conceded twice late on to let Rangers take something from the game; however, as the manager points out, the result means that the title remains in Celtic’s hands and Rodgers’ side will need to win six games on the bounce to secure their third successive title. The Celtic manager will be pleased that the team, who had a partially fit Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate, came away from the game avoiding defeat.

This article first appeared on The Celtic Star and was syndicated with permission.

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