Dubious’ Rangers Penalty Sends Elena Sadiku Tonto as Raging Celtic Boss Banished for Clapping Referee
In a fiery and controversial clash between Celtic and Rangers in the SWPL, Celtic boss Elena Sadiku found herself at the center of a storm after a contentious penalty decision left her seething. The match, played under high stakes and tension, saw Rangers awarded a dubious spot-kick, a moment that ultimately overshadowed the game’s footballing merits.
Midway through the second half, with the game finely balanced, the referee awarded Rangers a penalty for what appeared to be minimal contact in the box. Replays showed that the Celtic defender made negligible contact, if any, with the Rangers forward. The decision prompted immediate protests from the Celtic players and coaching staff, but the referee stood firm. Rangers converted the penalty to take the lead, igniting tempers on the Celtic bench.
Sadiku, renowned for her passionate sideline presence, could not hide her frustration. The Celtic manager was visibly furious, pacing the technical area and gesturing her disapproval. Her emotions boiled over when she sarcastically clapped the referee’s decision, leading to her being sent off.
Speaking after the game, Sadiku did not hold back.
“It’s unbelievable. Week after week, these decisions cost us. That was never a penalty, and everyone in the stadium could see it except the referee. I clapped because, frankly, what else can you do when faced with such incompetence?”* she fumed.
Sadiku’s banishment from the touchline added insult to injury for Celtic, who were chasing vital points in the league.
Celtic fans echoed their manager’s sentiments, taking to social media to label the decision as “a disgrace” and calling for greater accountability from officials. Some even suggested that the referee should face suspension for what they perceived as a glaring error.
Players were equally vocal, with one senior Celtic player stating, *”We put our hearts into these games, and it’s frustrating when decisions like this determine the outcome. We felt robbed today.”
The Rangers camp, on the other hand, defended the decision, with their manager brushing off the controversy. *“Penalties are part of the game. It’s the referee’s job to make the calls, and we respect that. Our focus was on converting our chances and securing the win,”* they said post-match.
The fallout from this incident is likely to linger, with Celtic expected to appeal against Sadiku’s red card and demand clarity on officiating standards. Meanwhile, the SWPL faces mounting pressure to address growing concerns over referee consistency in high-stakes matches.
As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: the rivalry between Celtic and Rangers extends far beyond the men’s game, and this latest flashpoint has only added more fuel to the fire.
Read more on;https://sportupdates.co.uk
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