As Rangers stumbled to yet another lacklustre Scottish Premiership victory in Dundee, spare a thought for all those Celtic fans desperately willing an upset.
Steven Gerrard’s side once again failed to reach the performance levels of last season to play out an eventual 1-0 win courtesy of a first-half Joe Aribo strike.
But the Gers’ victory at Dens Park only tells part of the story as Dundee spurned a host of openings and even missed a penalty in the second half of proceedings.
And it’s that penalty which has some Celtic fans whining and Rangers supporters in stitches as the Parkhead side’s fans bemoan the decision not to show Jon McLaughlin a red card in Dundee.
The Rangers goalie saw yellow for bringing down Dee star Paul McMullen before going on to save the Jason Cummings spot-kick.
Whilst some might bleat about the decision to keep McLaughlin on the pitch, it was the right one from whistler Bobby Madden under double jeopardy rules.
Because big Jon tried to play the ball he is protected by the actual rules of the game but this didn’t stop that SFA masonic conspiracy rearing its head amongst some Celtic fans on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/1888_Celticbhoy/status/1441846202060967937
In fairness, there are more than a few Celtic fans online correcting their Parkhead counterparts but Rangers supporters have still been having fun with the claims anyway.
Rangers fans took to Twitter to provide clarity on the rule as they goaded their Glasgow rivals after securing another three points despite not being at their best:
https://twitter.com/RobieCross/status/1441866093769936904
https://twitter.com/steviesouness/status/1441856893794668544
https://twitter.com/ARKIDDDDD/status/1441856650562973696
Incredibly, it’s not just some of the Celtic support who are claiming it was a red card with Dundee manager James McPake fuming over the decision at full time.
“I know the rule is if you make a genuine attempt and people will disagree and say it’s a genuine attempt,” said McPake [Herald].
“Paul McMullan is clearly by him and the leg comes out. If it’s Adam Legzdins would my answer be different, probably not.
“I am just giving an honest opinion having seen it back I think the arm catches him as well. TV footage will maybe show that better. I am looking at it from a high camera.
“We miss the penalty but we still have half-an-hour to play with 11 v 10. I like the rule that if you make a genuine attempt it’s not a red card offence but Paul McMullan is clearly by him by the time he makes an attempt.”
Whatever the case, Rangers maintain their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership by a single point and are now seven clear of Old Firm rivals Celtic.
Whilst it wasn’t the best performance from Rangers, Ibrox gaffer Steven Gerrard has been singling one player out for praise.
