The Big Split commenced as Celtic faced Falkirk and The Rangers were at home to Motherwell.
The Yorkshire Whistler was ready as ever.
26/04/26 The Rangers vs Motherwell
Incident 1
Referee: Kevin Clancy
Game Minute: 18th
Score At Time: 0-1
Incident: Gassama is challenged on the edge of the box
Outcome: Foul to Motherwell
Evidence:
Yorkshire Whistler Verdict:
Gassama goes down on the edge of the box
IOD: Foul and free kick to Rangers
As the ball is played around the edge of the Motherwell box, Gassana and a Motherwell player both look to get to the ball around the same time. It appears to me that Gassana is looking to get his body between the ball and the defender and starts to twist his body in position to do this.
However, by doing so, he actually extends his right leg into the oncoming run of the Motherwell player. In the same motion he also already begins to drop to the floor, making it appear though he has been impeded.
In real time I could see why the referee feels the contact is on Gassana and goes with an attacking free kick. However, upon watching the replay, it is my opinion that Gassana initiates the contact by extending his leg into the path of his opponent whilst moving away from the trajectory of the ball.
In my opinion no foul was committed by the Motherwell player.
Verdict: INCORRECT decision - allowing play to continue or even a defensive free kick would have been the expected outcomes.
Expected Points Outcome: No impact
Summary
My thanks, as always, to the Yorkshire Whistler.
A refreshing start to the high-pressure games as the Celtic match passed off without major incident.
Plenty of drama at Easter Road where Hibernian were the recipients of two red cards as Heart of Midlothian’s bountiful variance harvest reaped product once again. Now, Yorkshire Whistler scope remains the Glasgow teams.
The Rangers have been hampered by incorrect calls to the tune of -1.73 expected points, and Celtic -0.04 xPts.
After 34 matches, Celtic leads by one point.