Penalty claims and goals aplenty, VAR saves the day for Rangers with an evaluated Europa ref

Rangers returned to Seville to face Real Betis for the first time on account that with referee Srdjan Jovanović from Serbia the man in the middle.

The standard officiating is, usually, higher in European soccer however they can nonetheless be capable of a howler or two.

A free-kick awarded after just a few seconds perhaps indicated that we have been going to hear the referee’s whistle a lot in what was a key fixture for both Rangers and Real Betis.

Rangers v Real Betis referee watch

The free-kick after just a few seconds lulled us into a false feel of what was once about to unfold as the Serb maintained manipulate over a busy but mostly uneventful first-half.

Immediately, Gers boss Phillippe Clement showed that he wasn’t happy.

What he did get proper though was a penalty declare against Connor Goldson who could do nothing about a ignore deflecting up off his personal leg and onto his hand.

The second half of even though noticed Jovanovic get more and more concerned and, unfortunately for Rangers, began falling for Real Betis’ antics.

Dujon Sterling being penalised for standing next to a Betis player summed up the begin to the second half.

Another penalty claim close up for Ben Davies saw Jack Butland keep with his foot, again though, there was once nothing that the Rangers defender may want to do, no matter the Real Betis claims.

John Lundstram went into the e book for being more suitable than Isco.

The scouser saved his eyes on a high ball and nudged the Spain legend only for Jovanovic to award a free-kick, Lundstram disagreed and talked his way into the ref’s book.

Rangers seemed as even though they had long past 3-2 down when Real Betis scored from a corner, the officers bought it proper without VAR and it was disallowed for handball – interestingly it’s not just Ibrox we get these decisions.

Next in the book was once James Tavernier, and rightly so, a professional foul to quit a counter attack was once the proper factor to do.

The game obtained scrappy as Betis pushed for an equaliser however Rangers held on with no more controversy.

Other than falling for a few theatrics, you have to say that Srdjan Jovanović had a good game, getting all the large selections proper – you can’t ask for anything more than that.

Celtic Land and Rangers Glasgow rivals will appear twice on Sky Sports TV during the course of four games

The Old Firm duo will now face one early weekend and one midweek night below the lights in late January and early February as the SPFL demonstrated modifications due to TV coverage.

Rangers and Celtic will be on the field TWICE each as phase of a four recreation Sky Sports fixture announcement.

The Glasgow rivals are scuffling with it out at the pinnacle of the Scottish Premiership table with the weekend outcomes throwing up some other twist in the race for the league title. Philippe Clement retained his unbeaten start to existence in the Ibrox dugout by dumping Dundee 3-1 in Govan. But it used to be no longer a straight ahead afternoon with the site visitors taking the lead earlier than VAR took centre stage. Firstly the hosts obtained a penalty following a pull on Abdallah Sima before some other intervention brought about Kevin Clancy to upgrade a yellow card to a purple card for Jose Cifuentes – who lost his enchantment and will now leave out Sunday’s Viaplay Cup Final. Cyriel Dessers, James Tavernier and Sima grabbed the desires for the ten guys who put three points on the board and stress on Celtic.

Brendan Rodgers’ men travelled to Kilmarnock 24 hours later looking to restore the eight factor advantage they had at the summit and regarded on direction to do so after Matt O’Riley fired home on the rebound after Callum McGregor was denied from vary after an magnificent bit of individual talent on the aspect of the area. But the domestic aspect came roaring lower back in the 2nd duration with a Nat Phillips personal purpose and Matty Kennedy strike two minutes from time turning the game around as the champions lost at Rugby Park for the 2d time this season. It skill the gap stands at 5 points with Rangers having performed one sport less.

There will no doubt be many twists and turns between now and the wintry weather ruin – inclusive of a derby showdown at Parkhead on December 30 – as Sky Sports announce the today’s batch of games in early 2024 to make it on stay coverage.

Sky Sports TV chosen video games in full

Saturday January 27 – St Mirren v Rangers [12.30pm KO]

Saturday February 3 – Aberdeen v Celtic [12.30pm KO]

Tuesday February 6 – Rangers v Aberdeen [8pm KO]

Wednesday February 7 – Hibernian v Celtic [8pm KO]

“You have to do more” James McFadden responds to Brendan Rodgers’ public comments about Celtic star

James McFadden has weighed in on the situation involving Celtic winger, Mikey Johnston.

Brendan Rodgers took an fascinating step in deciding to publicly critique the player after Celtic’s 4-1 win over Hibernian ultimate week.

Someone like Chris Sutton was ’surprised’ by the Celtic manager’s methods, whilst others suppose it’s in reality a challenge.

As James McFadden pointed out, the truth that Mikey Johnston began the 2-1 defeat towards Kilmarnock on Sunday proves that Brendan Rodgers is actually trying to push the player, as he told Sky Sports Football (10/12/23 at 11:40 am).

The former Scotland global introduced that Mikey Johnston is being requested to do more with and barring the ball due to the fact it’s some distance exclusive than when he is being requested when he comes off the bench.

The 24-year-old has commenced only two games this season and likely hasn’t produced the results he would have preferred from a non-public perspective.

There have been instances this season when he has come off the bench, including in the Champions League and he has seemed impressive.

But as James McFadden pointed out, they are two distinctive worlds.

Brendan Rodgers’ venture to Mikey Johnston

“I’d rather not have any criticism, if I am being flawlessly honest,” stated McFadden.

“What Brendan Rodgers is doing Is telling Mikey Johnston that coming on as a sub is specific to beginning the game.

“When you come on, the sport is open and you have the freedom to do what it takes to get your group back in the recreation or have an impact in the game. When you begin the game, it is greater about concentrating on your positional play. When you are going to press. What the needs are.

“I assume had Rodgers had a go at him, then dropped him it would have been a bigger problem here. What he is saying, you are in the crew now and you have to do more. You have to use the ball better. Make better decisions.”

Celtic v Feyenoord

The difficulty for Johnston now is that he will probable be dropped for Wednesday’s Champions League clash towards Feyenoord.

And that will likely then lead to him being in the equal state of affairs in opposition to Hearts at the weekend.

On one hand, his performances haven’t been properly enough, but he ought to rightfully argue that he wishes greater minutes to surely get his engine going because he is nonetheless probable lacking that sharpness.

Johnston’s problem is that he has had plenty of probabilities earlier than and in the pressure cooker of Celtic, you ain’t given a great deal time.Celtic Land and Rangers Glasgow rivals will appear twice on Sky Sports TV during the course of four games