Brendan Rodgers in knowing Rangers penalty wink as Celtic boss issues icy VAR blast

Brendan Rodgers threw an icy blast at VAR as Celtic thrashed Buckie Thistle 5–0 in the Scottish Cup last 16.

The defending champions had another four goals deducted by

the authorities as storm Isha caused havoc in Glasgow’s east end.

he was enraged by a decision in the first few minutes of the game to deny his team a penalty kick,

which was later overturned after a review revealed Liel Abada had strayed offside in the buildup.

And, in reference to the Old Firm rivalry controversy generated when

Rangers were refused a penalty in similar circumstances,

Rodgers said: “It’s simply awful. I believe the most frustrating one was the penalty case that was examined.

It should not be glanced at; it is offside. But they had to for some reason; the fourth official said that it is protocol.

“They had to look to see if it’s a penalty first before they look to disallow it because it’s offside,

which just seems ridiculous”

Rodgers continued, “If it’s offside, then the penalty doesn’t even matter…as we know!”

Paulo Bernardo finally broke through after 24 minutes,

with Odin Thiago-Holm and Kyogo Furuhashi joining in before halftime.

Luis Palma scored a fourth five minutes into the second half,

and substitute Rocco Vata made it 5-0 shortly after replacing Kyogo in 62 minutes.

Vata’s future at the club has been a source of debate during the transfer window,

with two Italian clubs – Bologna and Como – rumored to be interested.

Rodgers stated, “Young players have to earn the right, with the likes of Rocco,

there has been a lot of hype surrounding him, but he is a very young player and he has to earn the opportunity.

“Throughout my career, I’ve provided opportunities for numerous young players. I like Rocco.

He possesses attributes. He is strong, aggressive, and eager to score from 25 yards out.

“You can see that even when he came on, he achieved his objectives and had a couple more opportunities.

That’s great for him; he’s developed a taste for it.

“I hope he stays, but it will be up to him. He is a talented individual,

and it all rests on his and his reps’ mentalities.

You have some young players whose representation will tell you that if they do not start in the first team,

they will leave. If that’s the greatest, you’d better go because you have to earn the right.

“He is 18 years old, and I do not require players to be ready at that age unless they are genuine,

exceptional skills. At the age of 20 or 21, they must be prepared.

But you can tell he has tools, and this may be an excellent environment for him to grow.”

And Rodgers was full of praise for the Highland minnows for rising to the challenge of his team.

He said, “I was impressed by their spirit.” We’ve all witnessed their reactions to coming here,

as well as the road they took to get here.

‘It’s an incredible day for the club and the players, and reality sets in when you are here.

They gave their all, and the goalkeeper produced some pretty good stops.

They gave everything and the goalkeeper made some really good saves and we could have punished a little bit more,

but it was an amazing day for the club and hopefully it’s a memory that will sty with them for many years.

It’s what football is all about, creating memories.

So it was a great day for the club and they did amazing to be here.”

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