Ex-SFA referee tells Rangers they were lucky not to have two red cards amid post-Celtic meltdown

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Celtic’s win against Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final has caused plenty of conversation.

Martin O’Neill and Danny Rohl were both taking charge of the first Glasgow Derby of their respective spells – and experience won the day.

Goals from Johnny Kenny, Callum McGregor and Callum Osmand sent the Ibrox side packing, in a richly-deserved win for O’Neill’s men.

Rangers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard saw red in the first-half for a high boot, but that was far from the only high-profile referee decision in the match.

The Ibrox hierarchy have complained to the SFA, perceiving a lack of justice in their decisions. But one former referee has told them that it could’ve been worse.

Rangers defender Derek Cornelius could’ve been sent off in Celtic clash

Auston Trusty’s incident with Jack Butland has led to somewhat angry reactions at Ibrox.

Meanwhile, Anthony Ralston’s ‘handball’ which led to James Tavernier’s equalising penalty is being spoken about.

READ MORE: Celtic fans will love what Shaun Maloney did at half-time of extra time against Rangers

But for defender Derek Cornelius in the first half, there was a serious possibility of a red card before Aasgaard’s incident.

The Canada defender lunged in on Kenny, was late, and caught him at real pace. Celtic players called for a red straight away.

Speaking on the Ref’s View for SM Media, Des Roache said that Cornelius was a lucky boy.

He said: “Yeah, I can [see a case for a red]. My first thought was ‘Oh, that’s a bit tasty.’ And then when I saw it, I’ve got to admit that I did think he was right on the border of it.

“It was reckless, it was dangerous. So that’s a yellow card tariff straight away. Is it serious foul play, is it endangering the safety of an opponent, is it violent conduct?

“I would think Cornelius is extremely lucky to have got away with that. He was off the ground, and as soon as you’re off the ground, you’re lunging in with studs, and they’re going to hurt you.

“I think he was particularly fortunate at that time, because that easily could’ve been a red card. I won’t say it could’ve been – it should’ve been a red card.”

Refereeing decisions in Celtic 3-1 Rangers

The Hoops needn’t lose any sleep over the big calls on the day – they have a final against St Mirren to look forward to.

But Ralston’s incident has caused plenty of debate too. He clearly made every effort to avoid blocking the ball with his arm, but still was penalised.

Given the discourse around Trusty’s moment with Butland, questions should be asked about whether that was really a more dangerous challenge than Cornelius’.

It’s never a derby in Glasgow without a post-match referee inquest in the media.