The Scottish Football Association have officially addressed the controversy that overshadowed the dramatic 2-2 draw between Rangers and Celtic — and it has only fueled the debate further.
Deep into stoppage time, with Rangers moments away from securing all three points, the referee awarded Celtic a 90+1 minute penalty for handball inside the area. The incident, involving a Rangers defender, was immediately met with furious protests as players insisted the contact was accidental and unavoidable. However, after a VAR check, the on-field decision stood.
In their statement, the SFA confirmed that both the referee and VAR team deemed the defender’s arm to be in an “unnatural position,” concluding that it made the body “unnaturally bigger” — the key factor in determining a punishable handball under current Laws of the Game.
The governing body reiterated its confidence in the officiating team and stressed that such decisions are reviewed thoroughly both during and after matches.
Despite that backing, Rangers supporters remain unconvinced, branding the call “harsh” and “season-defining,” while Celtic argue the laws were applied correctly.
- One flashpoint. One whistle. And a rivalry controversy that refuses to die.