The former Rangers No1 was involved in a back and forth with Neil Lennon on a number of talking topics at Hampden.
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Rangers great Allan McGregor has lambasted the “state” of referees in Scotland following a contentious call during the Scottish Cup final against Celtic.
The former No.1 had a heated argument with Neil Lennon when referee Nick Walsh chose not to punish Cameron Carter-Vickers for a first-half tackle on Cyriel Dessers in the penalty area, which resulted in the Rangers striker limping off at half-time. Walsh, the guy in the middle, was in for a busy afternoon after John Beaton sent him to the monitor to stop a goal from Abdallah Sima that appeared to be the opener. The referee chose to award a free kick to Joe Hart following what appeared to be a push from Nicolas Raskin in the build-up as the corner was blasted in towards the outgoing Hoops No1.
Adam Idah then appeared in the last stages of the game to punish Rangers, following in on an effort that was blocked by Jack Butland and firing under the Light Blues No. 1 to send the green and white side of Mount Florida berserk. It proved to be the winning moment for Brendan Rodgers’ team, who completed a double after winning the Scottish Premiership.
It was celebration time for Idah and his teammates, but the studio experts were just getting started on their analysis. However, the feud between the former Old Firm stars was already brewing before the final whistle. Liam Scales appeared to hand away a free kick as he barged Dujon Sterling off the ball. Lennon analyzed the situation at halftime and said, “Yeah, it’s a definite free kick. He pushed him in the back and took out his legs. I’m not sure why he hasn’t given that one to Liam Scales. I believe he is fortunate to get away with it.”
McGregor responded, ‘It’s mind boggling. To be fair, the current situation of these referees does not surprise me…” Lennon sought to diffuse the rant by saying, “Oh, he is on one now.” Undeterred, McGregor continued: “Oh yes, I’m on one. The linesman is approximately 15 yards away. He has two hands on his back; what is he gazing at? It doesn’t surprise me, to be honest.”
Carter-Vickers’ strong challenge on Dessers was later flagged on Premier Sports. Lennon responded, saying, “It’s a good block from O’Riley.” It’s a good follow-up from Carter-Vickers; it’s a tough test, but clean. There is no sign of a punishment there. Carter-Vickers gives a good reply, and Dessers goes over. It’s not a punishment, no way.”
McGregor was having none of it, saying, “I still think it’s a big naughty…” Lennon responded, “There is no touch on the follow through…” McGregor continued, ‘I get that. My little companion in her Hampden room once warned me that if you want to endanger the opponent, you had to touch them, and she said no.” And, referring to Celtic captain Callum McGregor’s yellow card at the time, he added: “He is just lucky his name is not Cameron Carter-Vickers or Cameron Callum-McGregor, or it could have been a red.”
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