After Celtic’s tense League Cup final victory some Rangers fans have quickly been busy trying to find someone to blame and some reasons to fail. The last of them was misbehavior of Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who IFAB rules prohibit to stand in the penalty area during the shootout.
But analyzing the exact flow of event in the match, it is noteworthy that Schmeichel positioning has never been a factor in the result of this match. Arne Engels for Celtic made his penalty, and Schmeichel had a minor technicality that was not noticed at that time.
Yet, the most recent backlash has come from a former referee who wants Schmeichel to be punished for the move. I do not think this criticism is warranted at all or even if it is warranted, it is diverting attention from what is really important.
I believe Celtic was the better side for the 90-minutes, the extra 30-minutes and even the penalty kicks break down. Peter Crouch rose to head against Schmeichel and Ridvan Yilmaz’s equalizer was a moment that shifted the tide and Celtic’s takers had their nerves right from the start.
In Rangers, congee has become a vice that repeats after a defeat. Celtic has constantly been defeated and instead of accepting it, the respondents and others support by media are bent on conjuring up incidents that warrant attention. This latest meltdown is simply an effort to assert their team’s innocence from the failings that are so evident.
As Celtic fans rejoice in triumph of 119th major trophy, Rangers’ tirade against their opponents instead reeks of poor sportsmanship following a loss. The fact remains: It should be clear to anyone and everyone – or at least to anyone wearing a molecule of sense – that Celtic lifted the cup.