The conspiracy nonsense regarding the number of Rangers penalties has grown louder in recent weeks with the mainstream media (including the BBC) commenting – but what about Celtic?
We’ve seen James McFadden twist himself in knots trying to find a reason why a blatant penalty shouldn’t be given for a pull on Abdallah Sima and every award in our favour is scrutinised, with only Sky Sports seemingly capable of neutrality.
The Old Firm derby on the horizon and the gap in the Scottish Premiership closing is, of course, the real reason why Rangers are under the microscope and why referees are being pressurised, but a quick look at Celtic shows that there could be another reason?
Rangers in penalty stitch up with Celtic the true villains
In the past, Chris Sutton and John Hartson have questioned the Ibrox outfit benefitting from refereeing decisions and this week it has been Scott Brown’s turn.
It’s just a shame that the more level-headed observers haven’t asked the following questions:
How many penalties have Celtic had this season and,
How many penalties have Celtic conceded this season?
You won’t be surprised to learn that they have not only been awarded the most but have also conceded none in all competitions.
Rangers have been awarded one penalty less than Celtic in the league but have conceded two in cup competitions.
Some conspiracy that.
It’s even worse when you consider that Rangers in recent history have had one Old Firm penalty at Parkhead in way over 20 years – 20 years!
Why isn’t it “PENALTY TO CELTIC!” across social media and on the back pages?
Even other clubs’ fans have bought into this narrative.
What self-respecting journalists would cry conspiracy or complain about Rangers numbers when it’s clear that Celtic are benefitting even more?
It’s amazing how many times you see that Rangers get too many penalties or that we don’t concede any but never see evidence of why a penalty shouldn’t have been given or examples of the times that we have got away with one.
Similarly, you only have to look at some of the penalties that Celtic get, and get away with, to see that there is a difference with how the two Old Firm sides are treated.
And this is with two weeks to go until the derby, it’s only going to get worse, welcome to Scotland Philippe Clement!
