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Glasgow Live
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Alan Galindo

Key Rangers and Celtic decisions analysed on 'Ref Watch' as Dermot Gallagher delivers verdict

Dermot Gallagher has ran the rule over key decisions in Celtic and Rangers' weekend Premiership clashes.

The former English Premier League whistler gave his views and analysis of Ross County's penalty award at Parkhead and Rangers spot-kick decision at St Mirren. It was another weekend to forget for the Light Blues as they dropped more points to heap even further pressure on Giovanni van Bronckhorst with the first anniversary of his appointment this coming Friday.

They now trail Ange Postecoglou's side by nine points in the title race after a share of the spoils. Jonah Ayunga fired the hosts in front before skipper James Tavernier levelled from the spot to rescue a point for his side.

Across the city, rivals Celtic came from a goal behind to pick up maximum points and continue their relentless winning form. David Cancola netted from the spot five minutes into the second period but the champions showed their powers of recovery once again with two goals in six minutes by David Turnbull and Sead Haksabanovic.

VAR has only recently arrived in Scotland with the system making some big calls in terms of red cards, penalties, and goal awards with two penalty calls looked at in the clashes involving Glasgow's main two this weekend.

READ MORE: Filip Helander sets Rangers injury return target after 'successful' surgery as rehab continues

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Speaking about the foul on Ryan Kent, he said: "A term I use often is the ball is the clue. The ball goes and the defender doesn't get the ball.

"That's clear for me. Is it a foul? Yes.

"This is the good thing about VAR - this wouldn't have been given as a penalty in Scotland.

"People say they've brought it in half way and it's not right or fair with what has happened before but do you want to continue to see that not given or do you want to take the initiative and say 'Yeah, that is a foul'.

"I think they've done well to say 'yeah bring it'."

On the Matt O'Riley's handball call in Celtic's win over Ross County, he added: "I think he is really, really unlucky isn't he?

"It flicks up and definitely hits his elbow. There is no doubt about that.

"But it was given and that is it. You have to accept it is not going to be utopia straight away. But it is moving forward as we see with the clip before."

READ NEXT:

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- Rangers player ratings v St Mirren as Celtic gain another title boost despite Kent's best efforts

- Sean Dyche sent Rangers message by van Bronckhorst as manager vows to stay cool under pressure

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