Former Ibrox Striker “Raging” at Fabio Silva Penalty Decision; Explains Why it was Wrong

Former Rangers striker Kevin Kyle has strongly criticised the decision to award Rangers a penalty in the recent Old Firm derby, which ended in a 3-3 draw.

During the match, Celtic were leading 2-0 when referee John Beaton initially issued a yellow card to Rangers’ Fabio Silva for simulation. However, following a VAR review led by Nick Walsh, Beaton was prompted to reassess the incident at the pitchside monitor.

The footage reviewed did not show Celtic’s Alistair Johnston making initial contact with the ball, a key detail that has prompted Celtic to lodge a formal complaint with the SFA.

Speaking on the Open Goal podcast, Kyle expressed his frustration with the decision, arguing that Silva’s change of direction forced Johnston into a natural defensive reaction.

Kyle says that Johnston’s foot touched the ball first, which should not have resulted in a penalty.

“My take on it is, Silva is facing up Johnston. He’s went one way, he’s went another so the natural movements of the body means the weight is going one way and then the other.

“So as he [Silva] has went one way and chopped him, Johnston’s already going down because of the way he’s done the chop.

“So, he sticks the foot out which gets the touch [on the ball]. Where’s he supposed to go?

“He’s toe-poked it. He can’t fall that way so he’s had to fall that way. So where is he supposed to put his legs?

“Never a f***ing penalty in my f***ing life. Raging.”

Podcast host and former Celtic player Si Ferry agreed with the contribution.