Rangers Cruise Past Celtic into League Cup Semi-Finals
Emmanuel Fernandez played a standout role as Rangers comfortably brushed aside fierce rivals Celtic to secure their place in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals.
Goals from Dan Neil and Kevin Kelsy, both scoring their first goals for the club before Neil added a second, sealed an emphatic 3-0 victory at Ibrox on Sunday afternoon. Fernandez believed he had added a fourth just past the hour mark, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
The result marks a fifth consecutive victory in all competitions for Derek McInnes’ side, representing their most impressive performance of the season so far. Securing a clean sheet topped off a dominant afternoon in front of a boisterous home crowd.
Despite the convincing scoreline, the match was not without refereeing controversy. Celtic icon Pat Bonner expressed his disbelief during the first half after Fernandez appeared to pull down Celtic winger Sebastian Tounekti without penalty.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland’s live match coverage, Bonner reacted with astonishment when referee Nick Walsh allowed play to continue. Co-commentator Peter Lovenkrands agreed, stating that the incident was a definite foul against the Nigerian international.
Walsh’s overall refereeing drew mixed reactions from both sides. Rangers supporters were frustrated by Fernandez’s disallowed goal and a lengthier review process for Kelsy’s opener. Meanwhile, Celtic felt aggrieved after a strong first-half penalty claim was turned down following Olwethu Makhanya’s challenge on Kasper Hogh, alongside a contentious tackle on Ryan Naderi that could have drawn a red card.
However, given the decisive outcome and convincing nature of the performance, Rangers fans will have few complaints about the officiating as they celebrate a memorable derby triumph.