Celtic’s result at Pittodrie today opens up new confidence for the Parkhead side which should make a material difference to their hopes of making a title challenge.
Where the Hoops can only affect the what happens in their own matches, there is a sense that some refereeing decisions are now starting to influence results for their rivals across the city.
For the second home tie in a row, Rangers have benefitted from ‘honest mistakes’ which have cost their immediate rivals points on the day, but these are also affecting where the league title and £40m worth of Champions League .
An offside goal allowed against Motherwell and now a red card against Hibs defender Ryan Porteous, which by all accounts changed the course of the match at Ibrox today as Rangers battled back from 1-0 down to a 2-1 victory when the Ibrox club where devoid of ideas and Hibs where in cruise control.
Michael Stewart called this out today in a series of tweets where he said these decisions are having a huge impact on results and cites another mistake that happened the last time his old club visited Ibrox, “Ryan Porteous disallowed goal last year at Ibrox and the sending off today have both had a huge impact on the results. Difficult for Hibs to take but a very strong side who are capable of properly challenging.
“Understandably Rangers will say it’s dangerous from Porteous and they may have a point but for me he doesn’t catch Aribo and I don’t think it deserves a red card but totally understand those who argue differently.
“I doubt very much that challenge would be rescinded by the way”
Understandably Rangers will say it’s dangerous from Porteous and they may have a point but for me he doesn’t catch Aribo and I don’t think it deserves a red card but totally understand those who argue differently.
— Michael Stewart (@mstewart_23) October 3, 2021
I doubt very much that challenge would be rescinded by the way
— Michael Stewart (@mstewart_23) October 3, 2021
We will no doubt have to put up with more of these ‘honest mistakes’ as the season goes on. It’s just a pity VAR isn’t in play this season now is it?