Celtic midfielder Arne Engels has expressed his frustration with the media narrative surrounding the team’s Premier Sports Cup final victory over Rangers. The Hoops secured their first piece of silverware of the season after a thrilling 6-goal match that went to penalties.
However, instead of focusing on Celtic’s achievement, much of the post-match attention has centered on Rangers’ claims for a penalty in extra time. Liam Scales was accused of pulling Vaclav Cerny’s shirt, but the VAR team dismissed the incident, sparking widespread debate.
The SFA’s Head of Referees, Willie Collum, later admitted that a penalty should have been awarded, describing the VAR team’s decision as “unacceptable.” While this incident was undoubtedly a significant moment in the match, Engels believes that the focus on it has become tiresome.
In an interview with the Glasgow Times, Engels stated, “I’m not aware of everything that’s been said, but last Sunday, we showed that we’re a really good team who can perform in the big games. We deserved to win it, and that’s why we were on the podium. That’s all that matters.”
Engels also expressed his disappointment that the media has not given more attention to James Forrest’s achievement in equalling Bobby Lennox’s record medal haul of 25. Forrest, who has been with Celtic for over 15 years, became the joint most decorated player in the club’s history.
“Is it a shame that people are talking about other things?” Engels asked. “James Forrest equalled a record by winning the trophy, he has so many medals now, and is a quality player. If there needs to be something said after Sunday, it should be about him.”
Forrest’s loyalty and dedication to Celtic have been exemplary throughout his career. Despite being injured and facing a six-week layoff, Forrest’s achievement is a testament to his enduring commitment to the club.
In contrast, the media’s fixation on the penalty incident has overshadowed Celtic’s triumph and Forrest’s record-breaking achievement. Engels’ comments highlight the need for a more balanced narrative, one that acknowledges Celtic’s success and the impressive individual achievements of players like Forrest.
Celtic’s victory in the Premier Sports Cup final marked a significant milestone in the team’s season. The Hoops have been in impressive form, and their cup win is a testament to their strength and depth.
As the season progresses, Celtic will face further challenges, both domestically and in European competition. However, with players like Forrest and Engels leading the charge, the team is well-equipped to overcome these obstacles and achieve success.
In conclusion, Arne Engels’ comments highlight the need for a more balanced media narrative surrounding Celtic’s Premier Sports Cup final victory. Rather than focusing solely on the penalty incident, the media should acknowledge Celtic’s achievement and the impressive individual records broken by players like James Forrest.
By doing so, the media can provide a more accurate and nuanced portrayal of Celtic’s success, one that recognizes the team’s strengths and the dedication of players like Forrest. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Celtic responds to the challenges ahead, and whether the media narrative surrounding the team will shift to reflect their achievements.
The focus on the penalty incident has also raised questions about the role of VAR in Scottish football. While the technology is designed to assist referees in making accurate decisions, its implementation has been inconsistent, leading to controversy and debate.
In the case of the Premier Sports Cup final, the VAR team’s decision not to award a penalty to Rangers has been widely criticized. The SFA’s Head of Referees, Willie Collum, has admitted that a penalty should have been awarded, describing the VAR team’s decision as “unacceptable.”
This incident highlights the need for greater clarity and consistency in the use of VAR in Scottish football. The technology has the potential to improve the accuracy of refereeing decisions, but its implementation must be carefully managed to avoid controversy and ensure fairness.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the use of VAR evolves in Scottish football. The technology has the potential to play a significant role in shaping the outcome of matches, and its implementation will be closely watched by fans, players, and coaches alike.
In addition to the controversy surrounding the penalty incident, Celtic’s Premier Sports Cup final victory has also sparked debate about the team’s chances of winning the Scottish Premiership. The Hoops have been in impressive form this season, and their cup win has boosted their confidence and momentum.
However, the Scottish Premiership is a highly competitive league, and Celtic will face stiff challenges from rival teams, including Rangers, Aberdeen, and Hearts. The Hoops will need to maintain their focus and intensity if they are to secure the title, and their cup win has set them up nicely for the challenges ahead.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Celtic responds to the challenges ahead. The team has a strong squad and a talented manager in Brendan Rodgers, and they will be looking to build on their cup win and