Football is a game of fine margins and in Sunday’s Old Firm derby, everything that could go wrong from the manager to split second timing of runs and calls by the officials, all went against Rangers and Michael Beale.
A lot of it was self-inflicted but they contributed to a result that, had we won, would have put Brendan Rodgers under increasing pressure to one that has replacement managers already being touted for a move to Ibrox.
The Rangers board won’t pull the trigger so quickly given how early in the league season it is and Michael Beale has been backed to be given more time by transfer journalist Dean Jones, as told to GiveMeSport.
Rangers sticking with Michael Beale, for now
The former Eurosport journalist is a neutral observer and he has made some valid points in defence of Rangers manage Michael Beale:
“Rangers had a goal ruled out, which was harsh, to be honest.
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“On another day, it might have been them that won this game by the odd goal.
“It’s not like Celtic played them off the park. So, if it had tipped in their favour, would Beale be under any pressure right now? No.
“But the problem is, it’s not just the Celtic defeat. It’s on the back of that PSV mauling as well.
“So, that’s what people will be judging him against.
“Beale is going nowhere, as far as I understand it right now, and he deserves to get much deeper into the season before you properly assess what his team are capable of.”
Rangers have a favourable run of fixtures, are clear favourites for the league cup and have been drawn in a Europa League group that should see continental football secured after Christmas – one way or another.
The other issue is that, with no sporting director, who is the subject matter expert responsible for ultimately making the decision?
Jones is right, take the emotion out of it and Rangers were one refereeing decision away from a good start to the season for Michael Beale.
But that’s the problem, football without emotion is nothing.
Football isn’t a matter of life and death and all that….