Clement glasses’ half full
THERE was much talk about tinted spectacles as Philippe Clement fixed his glare on Rangers’ critics after Sunday’s Old Firm clash.
Claims that Fabio Silva was guilty of simulation during the 3-3 draw with Celtic had the Rangers boss slamming the accusers of seeing only what they wanted to see.
Likewise, the flak directed at the Ibrox boss and his players for their so-called
‘lap of honour’ after failing to land a blow on their rivals at home angered the Belgian.
Rabbi Matondo’s stoppagetime wonder goal rescued a point in a chaotic encounter — the goal hero’s celebrations with Clement on the touchline also attracted criticism.
The goal stopped Celtic carving our a four-point advantage at the top of the table, having taken the lead after just 21 seconds.
And a win at Dundee tonight would see Rangers go top of the pile.
But Clement is adamant the celebration criticism misses the point, saying: “First, what happens with the team? We go behind after 21 seconds. Then you go 2-0 behind.
“It is more than 30 years since a team came back from that situation.
Happy
“We score in added time with a very good goal. You cannot be happy with that?
“It is a funny thing in this town — everybody has coloured glasses for sure around the Old Firm.
“There are a lot of comments about everything, but I don’t care what people with coloured glasses are saying. It is not important for me.
Rangers’ fightback began with the VAR-awarded penalty after Silva crashed to the ground. Ref John Beaton, who had already warned the Portuguese over his antics in the first half, flashed yellow at the Ibrox forward, only for VAR Nick Walsh to direct him to the monitor.
Beaton decided to overturn his decision but while Clement revealed he has had words with the on-loan Wolves man, he also took aim at those who branded him a diver.
He added: “He should have been stronger in the duels. But in other moments he got really kicked. He’s also got two really deep marks in his calves after this game, cuts from the studs.”