Philippe Clement was furious at full-time after Rangers were denied a clear penalty in the Premier Sports Cup defeat to Celtic.
The Ibrox side are well-used to the Parkhead club getting the rub of the green in the Old Firm fixture with VAR acting almost exclusively as a buffer to defend Celtic’s grip on the domestic game.
Once again, with Vaclav Cerny blatantly pulled back in the box by Liam Scales, did the VAR not interject to hand Rangers a deserved penalty with the score tied at 3-3 in extra time at Hampden.
Clement has urged journalists to ask the Rangers penalty question and we suspect new CEO Patrick Stewart will be fielding some calls on day one in the job.
But the Rangers manager has also been speaking about a ‘massive’ moment in the game where the Ibrox side fluffed their lines in the second half.
With the score at 1-0, Rangers broke free on Celtic and had four players against one, only for a tame cutback to be intercepted.
On such moments do these matches swing and Philippe Clement acknowledged come full time the impact on the situation.
Philippe Clement on Rangers 4 v 1
”Yeah it’s a massive (moment),” said Clement when asked about the 4 v 1 opportunity in the second half.
”And that’s a really disappointing one that we make the wrong choice there because on the left side we have two players free.
”If Hamza (Igamane) slows down his tempo and then gives this ball then it’s impossible to defend.
”So yeah that’s also for sure a crucial point in the game but yeah, I think we grabbed a lot of moments in this game.
”Of course we’re going to show that one also to the team to make it better for the future.
”But I’m really proud about how many moments the team grabbed and how they played with and without the ball today.
”With all this energy, also after the changes, everybody stepping in doing the job.
”So we’re getting better and better and that’s our ambition now.
“It’s a big blow to not have this trophy, clearly, but it’s now important that it doesn’t stop the hunger and desire in this squad to become better and better because we’re going to work on that.”
Rangers manager hails team’s performance
Philippe Clement has also been hailing his Rangers team for their performance in the penalty kicks defeat to Celtic.
Rangers were the better side over the piece in the match and probably would’ve edged the tie had the officials done their job correctly.
It’s a sickener for supporters and for Philippe Clement, who suggested Rangers have to overcome a lot more than just playing performance when it comes to getting a result against Celtic.
Hailing his players, the Rangers manager seemed at a loss with the decision-making in the fixture, which marred what he called ‘a really good game for Scottish football’.
”That’s why I would not like to be here to speak about the penalty,” said Clement.
”Because I want to speak about the team, what they did today, how brave they were after a big European night on Thursday giving a lot against Tottenham.
”Two days less recovery and showing the physical level that they showed today.
”Also the team spirit, the mentality, but also good football.
”I think it was a really good game for Scottish football this final, from both sides and that everybody only can be happy about that.
”But of course, you want to win that trophy but we had to do then a lot of things extra to get it to our side if you don’t get a penalty like that.”
