Ex-Grade One SFA official clamps Barry Ferguson with verdict on three big Rangers vs Celtic flashpoints

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The Celtic vs Rangers Glasgow Derby always throws up huge talking points that run on for days.

The SFA appointed match officials almost always come under scrutiny and in Celtic’s draw with Rangers, there were three big flashpoints in the game.

Nick Walsh had to deal with VAR checks on a Rangers disallowed goal, an Adam Idah Celtic goal and a possible penalty shout which had Ibrox boss Barry Ferguson in tears at full time.

And as the dust settles on the big Glasgow Derby draw, former SFA referee Des Roache has delivered his verdict on all three Celtic flashpoints that will leave Barry Ferguson reeling.

• READ MORE: Brendan Rodgers addresses embarrassing Rangers fan behaviour as Celtic boss delivers penalty verdict

Des Roache’s verdict on Adam Idah Celtic goal & Raskin’s disallowed Rangers goal

The first two big talking points was the decisions to disallow Rangers’ opening goal by Nico Raskin and VAR allowing Adam Idah’s goal to stand.

Both decisions enraged Rangers fans and delighted the 2000-strong Celtic contingent tucked away in the corner at Ibrox and, here, Roache explains why the match officials got both correct.

Roache told the Daily Record, “The decision by VAR to disallow Nicolas Raskin’s opener was correct. The midfielder moved too early prior to the free kick being taken.

“The officials were also right to award Celtic their equaliser through Adam Idah. Daizen Maeda was onside when receiving the ball at start of attacking phase of play and didn’t impede Liam Kelly’s view of the shot at goal.”

Barry Ferguson ‘clutching at straws’ over Rangers penalty claim vs Celtic

At full-time, Barry Ferguson had a bizarre rant about how Rangers ‘didn’t get much’ from Nick Walsh and the match officials when asked about a possible penalty shout for his side.

But Roache tells the Ibrox interim boss he is just ‘clutching at straws’ over the penalty claim.

Roache continued, “The Ianis Hagi penalty claim that had the Rangers bench taking it in turns to roar at fourth official was a talking point, but they were clutching at straws.

“Not all contact is a foul. It’s a physical game and it wasn’t enough for a penalty. Callum McGregor just used his body and turned around.”

Rangers season is now officially over as Celtic now focus on winning their ninth-domestic treble against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final.

If Brendan Rodgers can get that over the line, then this season will be remembered for yet another Celtic treble and not meaningless draws in a dead rubber Glasgow Derby.