Danny Rohl admits it is “difficult to understand” why Celtic defender Auston Trusty was not sent off for his challenge on Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland on Sunday.
The Light Blues were trailing 1-0 in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park and down to 10 men, Thelo Aasgaard dismissed by referee Nick Walsh for a high tackle on Anthony Ralston, when Trusty made contact with the prostrate Butland’s head after he had gathered the ball.
Walsh showed only a yellow card to the Hoops defender to widespread Rangers anger and, despite captain James Tavernier levelling to take the match to extra-time, Celtic ran out 3-1 winners.
The aftermath of the game also brought much discussion around Ralston, who was already booked when he conceded a penalty by blocking a goal-bound shot with his arm.
Rangers subsequently issued a strongly-worded statement, saying they remained “unsatisfied” following a meeting with the Scottish Football Association to discuss key incidents during the game.
Ahead of the Europa League clash with Roma at Ibrox on Thursday night, head coach Rohl said: “I think we spoke about two situations – first, the handball with the yellow card or maybe the second yellow card, and then of course it was the kick against the head to Jack.
“There’s always two sides, the refs are looking for the rules and we have our side, how we see something.
“For me, it doesn’t matter how, if there’s a kick against the head, then you have to be really careful what you are doing there and I think this maybe for me is a little bit too difficult to understand.
“For me, it doesn’t matter if it’s from the side or front, a kick against the head is always dangerous because you could get an injury from your opponent.
“I think this is a little bit difficult, but the handball, there are so many rules with the handball.
“If it’s this angle, if it’s that angle. But the tackle was difficult to understand.
“But again, we got the red card, the opponent didn’t. We tried our best and after 90 minutes, even with the red card, we took a draw, but it was still not enough.
“The good thing in this club, we have people who support me and go in the same direction. Then for me, it’s about listening.
“I can help them, I support them, but I have the trust that our people go in a strong direction and think that helps.
“But again, this game is gone. We cannot change it.
“Hopefully, in the future, then we maybe also have some good decisions for our side, but it’s football, there is always pressure.
“My players have to make good decisions. I have to make decisions.
“The refs try to make the best decisions, but they are just humans and then sometimes you make the wrong decision and after the game, if you could, you would change it.
“I think it’s always important that you are strong in your decision when you make it.”
