Celtic Can Feel Aggrieved After Høgh Penalty Claim Is Ignored at Ibrox

Celtic have every reason to question one major refereeing decision from Sunday’s Old Firm defeat, even though their overall display at Ibrox was nowhere near the level required.

The officials came in for criticism during the 3-0 loss, but their performance should not disguise just how comprehensively Rangers dominated the match.

For Celtic supporters, the display was worryingly reminiscent of the heavy defeat to LASK. Rangers repeatedly found ways through the Celtic midfield and defence, while Brendan Rodgers’ side struggled to show the intensity or aggression needed in a game of such magnitude.

Unlike that disastrous night in Austria, Celtic did not even manage to find a consolation goal at Ibrox. Indeed, the visitors could have continued playing for considerably longer without looking likely to breach the Rangers defence.

However, there was one moment when Celtic could reasonably argue that they should have been handed a route back into the contest.

Kasper Høgh had endured a difficult afternoon before being withdrawn shortly after the hour mark, but the Celtic striker appeared to be brought down inside the Rangers penalty area.

The referee waved play on, and VAR did not recommend a review.

That decision has subsequently been questioned by former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett, who believes Celtic had a legitimate case for a penalty.

Hackett felt the Rangers defender made contact with Høgh from behind and that the incident warranted a second look from the officials.

“Celtic can feel aggrieved that they were not awarded a penalty kick when the opposition defender jumped onto the back of the Celtic player and brought him down to the ground.”

Hackett was also surprised that VAR did not intervene and send the referee to the pitchside monitor to review the incident.

The decision is particularly frustrating for Celtic given the circumstances surrounding Høgh’s afternoon.

The Danish forward was unable to make much of an impact against Rangers and was substituted after around an hour. Part of the problem, however, may have been the role he was asked to perform.

Høgh is at his best when operating as a penalty-box striker, where his movement and finishing can become decisive. Asking him to function as a target man and provide a focal point for Celtic’s attacks does not necessarily play to his strengths.

Nevertheless, had Celtic been awarded a penalty at that stage, the complexion of the match could have changed dramatically.

There is no guarantee that the Hoops would have suddenly transformed their performance, but a goal from the spot would undoubtedly have altered the atmosphere inside Ibrox and potentially introduced some uncertainty into Rangers’ comfortable afternoon.

Ultimately, Celtic’s biggest problem was their performance rather than the officials. But the Høgh incident gives the champions another reason to feel frustrated after a humiliating Old Firm defeat.