Rangers fans were left stunned by an incident involving Ibrox-linked John Souttar and Kyogo Furuhashi during Celtic vs Hearts on Thursday night.
The Jambos were in Glasgow to take on the Hoops knowing that the victor would sit second in the table going into the weekend fixtures.
Furuhashi opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with what would turn out to be the winner, turning Anthony Ralston’s cross past Craig Gordon.
The Japan international was clearly offside, but the goal was given despite protests from the visitors.
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson was furious after the game and there were plenty of complaints about the officials online.
However, it wasn’t the only controversial moment involving Furuhashi during the match.
The other was a clash, in the loosest sense of the word, with reported Rangers target Souttar [Daily Record].
In footage widely shared on social media, Souttar appears to relatively gently begin to lead the Celtic forward away from Hearts’ six-yard box when Furuhashi inexplicably falls backwards in an apparent attempt to win a penalty.
It’s the latest in a string of instances of the 26-year-old reacting theatrically to minor contact and Rangers fans were quick to call it out.
Here’s a selection of reactions:
Every week 😂
— Pena Cartel (@PenaCartel) December 2, 2021
That has to be a ban. Surely nobody can defend that
— Craig (@MortyCraig) December 2, 2021
This is what happens when he does it once and gets rewarded, he’ll keep on doing it until he’s sent off for simulation, or banned retrospectively (no laughing at the back now)
— GR-Bear🏆x55 (@GR_BEAR1979) December 2, 2021
He does it because it worked against Livingston, he thinks if he goes to ground he will win a penalty
— Gallant Pioneer 1872 (@Steven172254151) December 2, 2021
It needs called out. Too many games now.
— Crazy Columbian (@Alfiesanutter) December 2, 2021
🤣🤣it’s the glance at the Ref first that gets me 🤣🤣
— Andy Williams (@AndrewWilliam43) December 2, 2021
Meanwhile, a former Rangers player scored his first goal for a rival club earlier this week in an important win.