Key Celtic star in Old Firm sweat after what happened against Hearts
07/05/2024 09:10
Rangers head into the final Old Firm of the season knowing that three points are essential.
Philippe Clement could do with a few players back from injury and even a half-fit Abdallah Sima or Rabbi Matondo would be a welcome sight in the squad.
As for Celtic, they are at full strength, but they could be without their main man against Rangers if the SFA compliance officer does their job properly.
Callum McGregor could miss Old Firm if SFA act
Facing Hearts at the weekend, Callum McGregor was lucky to avoid a VAR review for serious foul play after a challenge on Kenneth Vargas.
An initial trip was followed up with a clip on the Hearts winger's head before, inexplicably, appearing to stamp on his leg when 'trying' to hurdle him.
Writing on X, the Behind the Whistles podcast was surprised that Kevin Clancy or the VAR team didn't take second look:
"We spoke on the Podcast yesterday about the one on James Forrest not shown on highlight packages.
"We also questioned the lack of VAR review. This is another.
"He's tried to leap the man on the floor and has caught him. Debatable if reckless yellow or serious foul play. Was worth a check it's not nothing.
"Really surprised Clancy and his AR have a clear view of it. But as we discussed on the Podcast he failed to see a few obvious things yesterday. Including the penalty."
Any other player would get Compliance Officer call
There is still a compliance officer employed by the SFA for circumstances just like this one.
'Unseen' by officials, there is a system in place to assess incidents of foul play and determine whether a mistake has been made.
Callum McGregor is the player who makes Celtic tick.
If he was missing, it would be a huge blow for them and a massive boost for Rangers.
With the SFA and officials already under scrutiny ahead of what is sure to be a powder keg atmosphere, citing their captain would only ramp up the pressure.
If he was any other player, for any other team though, the story would be entirely different.
For example, would Alfredo Morelos have got away with endangering the safety of an opponent, not just once, but twice?
That Steve Conroy and Des Roache, two Celtic supporting ex-officials, feel that McGregor has escaped further investigation, tells its own story about how the laws of the game see the incident.
The clock is ticking on the compliance officer to act, however, Rangers fans won't be holding their breath.
