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Rangers receive SFA response on Morelos’ disallowed goal controversy

By Hikithe Achumi

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 08: Alfredo Morelos of Rangers FC reacts during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Rangers FC at Celtic Park on April 08, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 08: Alfredo Morelos of Rangers FC reacts during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Rangers FC at Celtic Park on April 08, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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Rangers were left frustrated after the disallowed goal controversy surrounding Alfredo Morelos during their game against Celtic at Parkhead on Saturday.

Referee Kevin Clancy controversially judged that the Colombian had fouled Hoops right-back Alistair Johnston when it appeared to be a tangle between both players.

Following the game, Rangers wrote to the Scottish Football Association (SFA) to request a thorough explanation for why the goal did not stand. The SFA has now confirmed that its Referee Operations team has responded to the club’s request.

However, former English top-flight referee Dermot Gallagher was quick to defend Clancy’s decision, stating that Celtic were “very, very lucky” not to fall behind to Morelos’ goal. Reviewing the incident on Sky Sports, Gallagher added that “both players are grappling. For me, best let it go.”

Former referee defends controversial decision to disallow Morelos’ goal

While many fans have called for the use of VAR to intervene in such situations, former Scottish top-flight official Stuart Dougal has dismissed such calls.

Dougal explained that VAR can only intervene in cases of clear and obvious errors, and in this case, it was a bit 50-50, 60-40, depending on which side of the fence one is on.

Dougal also dismissed suggestions that Clancy should have allowed the goal to stand to allow the VAR official to have a closer look, stating that it’s important for the referee team to call the shots as they see them.

He added that if they need VAR to “rescue” them, then that’s what can happen, but it’s crucial that the referee makes the final call.

Referee’s decision is final: Controversy over disallowed goal in Celtic clash

While Rangers will feel hard done by the decision, it’s clear that the incident is a matter of interpretation and calls for the use of VAR to intervene may not always be the solution.

In the end, the referee’s decision is final, and it’s crucial that they are allowed to call the shots as they see them without undue pressure or interference.

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