The Scottish Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic passed without the kind of VAR or refereeing controversy that has become almost routine in Glasgow derbies this season, though the post-match disorder provided its own unwanted headlines. What did not escape notice, however, was the leniency shown by referee Don Robertson toward two Rangers players who arguably should have been reduced to ten men before the tie reached its penalty shootout conclusion.
Both Dujon Sterling and Tuur Rommens had been booked before the hour mark, with Rommens entering the book in the 54th minute and Sterling following him thirteen minutes later. From that point both players were living on borrowed time, yet Robertson allowed both to remain on the pitch despite continued fouling.
Sterling was the more glaring case. In the 83rd minute he clattered into Celtic winger Joel Mvuka in a challenge that, taken in the context of his ongoing pattern of fouling throughout the afternoon, warranted a second yellow card under IFAB guidelines on persistent misconduct. Robertson chose not to act. Rohl eventually removed Sterling just before extra time began, a decision that suggested even the Rangers manager could see the risk of keeping him on the pitch any longer.
Rommens told a similar story. The Belgian had been given a torrid time by Celtic winger Hyunjun Yang and responded with a series of fouls after his booking that went unpunished. Like Sterling, he was fortunate to finish the tie with eleven teammates alongside him.
It was in many ways a tepid affair on the pitch, all things considered, though the drama of the shootout and the chaos that followed ensured it will be remembered. Rangers, when reflecting on the 120 minutes that preceded the penalties, can count themselves fortunate to have seen it out with a full complement of players.