Rangers fans rejoicing not only at Celtic dropping two points and Rangers own win have also been celebrating the fact Celtic had a red card. Rangers and decisions is a hot topic.
The red card reaction
Of course, their manager, Martin O’Neill, was not thrilled about this red card. He inexplicably called it something called a blue card. We are not quite sure what he was hinting at.
But the whole situation occurring in Scottish football is nothing new. Historically, whichever team is winning or doing best, especially Rangers or Celtic, is generally favoured.
A familiar Scottish pattern
The fact Celtic received a red card yesterday and could only draw does indicate a small shift. It happened during 55 as well. Celtic had dominated for years. Then Rangers suddenly became the better team.
Decisions and refereeing always favour the team doing better. Not necessarily because they are better. It is because negative decisions hurt more when a team is failing.
How matches turn
For example, Celtic went 2-1 up at Hearts. They then lost a man. The equaliser was secured to make it 2-2. But they couldn’t get more.
Despite the return of Martin O’Neill, Celtic are not the form team in Scotland. That has been Rangers for quite some time.
Decisions and momentum
Consequently, the favours and decisions definitely favour Rangers. Rangers are in the ascendancy at the moment. This historic pattern has always existed in Scottish football. Penalty to Rangers.
Whichever Old Firm team is winning/dominating and doing best gets favourable decisions. Not strictly because of bias. It is because negative decisions look less damaging for the winning team. It was the same for 9IAR under Walter.
Who gets the breaks
What we are saying is whoever is not as good does not get the breaks. In fairness, they probably do not get the breaks in most countries but it’s more noticable in the Glasgow goldfish bowl.
Rangers recently, for seasons, felt like they got the raw end of the stick. That was something Ibrox Noise did not fully subscribe to.
Recent context
Celtic went around 80 matches without a single player red carded. Rangers were consistently getting penalties. That perhaps evened things out slightly.
Now decisions in Scottish football look like they favour Rangers more. Mainly because negative ones affect Celtic more than Rangers.
Why it feels different
Rangers have eight wins in all competitions. Nothing has been affected by bad decisions. Even negative calls are not as impactful on a winning team.
That is what Rangers are doing. Is it a seismic shift in football north of the border. We are not sure we are there yet.
Looking back and ahead
There is no question Rangers got the run of the green in 55 more than Celtic. Rangers and decisions is starting to turn again in the last month or so.
We will see if it continues.