New Mika Baur verdict emerges after Celtic star’s Rangers controversy

Former SFA referee Bobby Madden believes Celtic midfielder Mika Baur should have been shown a yellow card for his challenge on Rangers striker Ryan Naderi during the recent derby.

The incident occurred during Rangers’ 3-0 victory over Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup, when referee Nick Walsh made a decision that frustrated several Rangers players.

With around 64 minutes played, Naderi appeared to lose his footing as the ball moved behind his leg. Baur then made contact with the Rangers forward’s shin. However, instead of awarding Rangers a free-kick or penalising the Celtic midfielder, Walsh gave the decision in favour of the visitors.

Baur escaped without a card, leaving Rangers players unhappy with the call.

Speaking on the So Near, Yet So VAR podcast, Madden acknowledged that Rangers had reason to be frustrated but rejected suggestions that the challenge warranted a red card.

The former referee explained that although the contact was high on Naderi’s leg, the full context of the incident had to be considered. He pointed to factors such as the speed, intensity, force, intent and potential danger involved when assessing whether a challenge amounts to serious foul play.

Madden argued that Baur appeared to be attempting to play the ball and that Naderi’s slip affected how the challenge unfolded. In his view, the incident did not show malice or endanger the opponent’s safety to the level required for a red card.

He concluded that Baur’s tackle was reckless and deserved a yellow card, while the free-kick should have been awarded to Rangers.

Madden also stressed that refereeing decisions should not be judged solely through still images. Although the point of contact can be important, he said it is not enough on its own to justify a red card without considering the circumstances surrounding the challenge.