After the final match of Premier Sports Cup, Celtic and Rangers became involved in another controversy connected with refereeing, and thus fans and experts. This latest development comes on the heels of a contentious penalty awarded in extra time, a decision I believe should have gone to Celtic.
In the middle of the new controversy is Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel who was ordered to move out of the penalty area when two Celtic players were to attempt penalty kicks during the effecting of penalty shoot-out. The Laws of the Game compels goalkeepers to be outside of the penalty area or on the line when the penalty is being taken.
Video analysis shows that Schmeichel has twice violated this rule. In the case of Adam Idah’s penalty, Schmeichel was the stationary player but position at a point inside the box than in Arne Engels’ goal attempt where Schmeichel was well within the area as the penalty was being shot.
According to the rules, the referee is supposed to have stopped the penalty, not to mention caution Schmeichel for the first offense. In the second foul Schmeichel would have deserved a yellow card.
Respected refereeing expert account Behind The Whistles joined the controversy and said, “John [Beaton] should stop the penalty being taken and booked Kasper.” They added that although Schmeichel’s encroachment was harmless concerning the kicks, he would have been right to be prosecuted for advances rule abrasion.
This most recent refereeing controversy has simply opened the flood gates with people demanding standard and fairness in refereeing. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the overall final of the Premier Sports Cup will be one to forget.