Rangers Coach Focuses on Team Resilience Amid Controversial Refereeing
Rangers head coach Danny Rohl declined to blame controversial refereeing decisions for his team's defeat in the League Cup semi-final against Celtic, instead highlighting their "outstanding" response after being reduced to 10 men.
Thelo Aasgaard received a red card shortly before halftime while Celtic was leading 1-0. Despite this setback, Rangers managed to equalize and push the match into extra time, ultimately losing 3-1 to their city rivals.
While most pundits agreed that Aasgaard's dismissal was justified, some expressed surprise that Celtic defenders Auston Trusty and Anthony Ralston escaped punishment for subsequent incidents.
Trusty struck Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland in the head with a wayward boot, and Ralston handled the ball, conceding a penalty while already on a yellow card.
"It is not my position to discuss decisions," Rohl told BBC Sport Scotland. "We can have a conversation about it, but I will not participate. My focus is on my team, and I see many positive aspects."
Despite the disappointment, there was a sense of what could have been in the Rangers dressing room at Hampden after they managed to fight back into the game.
"This is tough because we felt we could beat them even with 10 men," Rohl remarked. "We put in a lot of effort, demonstrated resilience, and played good football in the second half. We were brave and switched to a more offensive formation, which allowed us to create chances. I believe the equalizer was deserved."
As the match progressed into extra time, Rangers fell behind 2-1, but Rohl noted they had two significant opportunities to equalize again.
Since taking over from Russell Martin, Rohl has managed four games, achieving two league victories alongside losses to Brann in the Europa League and against Celtic. However, he remains optimistic about the team's direction.
"Our response after the red card was remarkable," he stated. "It was a long period—55 minutes plus extra time—with just 10 players, and my team put in tremendous effort. We need to focus on the positives and seek improvements. I am confident that if we continue along this path, we will secure many wins this season."
Analysis: Rangers' Frustration Over Refereeing Decisions
Former Scotland strikers Billy Dodds and James McFadden both felt that Celtic center-back Trusty was fortunate to receive only a yellow card for his boot to Butland's face just before halftime.
Dodds commented on Sportsound, "He really rakes his studs across Butland's face. If he had been sent off, it could have changed the game significantly, and you have to wonder what might have happened."
Dodds also believed Ralston should have received a second yellow card for the handball that led to James Tavernier's equalizing penalty nine minutes before the end of normal time. "It was intentional when he threw himself to block the ball. I don't think [referee] Nick Walsh did himself any favors," he added.
McFadden, while acknowledging Rohl's refusal to comment, suggested that the coach would be frustrated with the decisions against his team. "These decisions contributed to the final result, but he has shown he knows how to manage through adversity. He was positive, making tactical changes to bolster the attack, and his players responded well," he noted.
Despite the challenges, McFadden sees progress under the former Sheffield Wednesday manager, while Dodds believes Rohl has managed to gain the players' trust.
However, concerns remain as Rangers prepare to host Roma before returning to domestic competition, currently trailing Premiership leaders Hearts by 14 points and five points behind Celtic.
On-loan Wolverhampton Wanderers center-back Nasser Djiga struggled at Hampden, and £8 million striker Youssef Chermiti once again failed to impress. Dodds remarked, "They didn't start well. Their wing-backs were pinned back. Should he revert to a four-man defense after they performed better in the second half? Or maintain a five-man defense for security? Rangers must be focused and effective in one-on-one situations against Celtic, and that has been problematic. When they lose possession, they become vulnerable to counterattacks."