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Gerrard Calls For Ref Help After Controversial Celtic Goal Beats Rangers In Cup Final

Balls Team
By Balls Team
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Steven Gerrard believes that officials in Scotland require some level of support when making decisions on the pitch. Though, the Rangers manager is unsure if that help should come from VAR.

Gerrard made the comments following his side's defeat to Celtic in Sunday's Scottish League Cup final. Celtic won the game 1-0 with there being a real element of controversy about the winner.

Goalscorer Christopher Jullien was one of three Celtic players in an offside position when his team took the lead in the 60th minute.

"We were outstanding in terms of our performance," Gerrard said in his post-match press conference.

"But finals are decided on big moments and they didn't go in our favour today.

"We need to take one of those chances. I'm not sure what the corner count was but it seemed to me that it was well in our favour. I think they've had one chance on goal, which was an offside chance. Unfortunately, it's gone against us.

"We've conceded from a set piece. We shouldn't have given the set piece anyway - there was no panic. Once you've given it away, you've got to defend it better.

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"There were three Celtic players standing in offside positions but unfortunately we play in a league where there is no VAR.

"It (VAR) has taken something away from the game, so I'd be a liar if I said I'm 100 per cent in favour of it.

"But one thing I do know is the officials up here need some support and some help. There are too many things, not just for our club but across the board that they maybe miss and need a bit of support on.

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"I'm not the type of person who blames or look for excuses, the big moments have gone against us today, we are all responsible for that.

"But the reality is, at the top end of football, you expect the linesman to get one of them right from the three who were in an offside position."

Just minutes after Celtic took the lead, Rangers had a chance to equalise when Jeremie Frimpong fouled Alfredo Morelos in the box. The young Dutch defender was sent off and Rangers were awarded a penalty. Morelos saw his penalty saved by Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

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Colombian Morelos took the penalty ahead of regular taker James Tavernier. Gerrard said the decision to nominate Morelos as penalty taker for the game was his decision and "was nothing to do with James passing the buck".

"Unfortunately we haven't taken our chance," added Gerrard.

"People will look back at that moment as the chance to swing the momentum in our favour, although we were much the stronger team throughout the 90 minutes anyway."

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See Also: Dramatic Four Minutes Proves Crucial As Celtic Beat Rangers In League Cup Final

 

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