Philippe Clement might’ve only been at Rangers ten minutes but he’s already got the Celtic cheerleaders sussed.
The Belgian manager has been speaking once again about the Rangers penalty award in the 3-3 Old Firm derby clash with Celtic.
Big Phil was clear after the match that Alistair Johnston fouled Fabio Silva before James Tavernier rifled home the penalty.
He’s not the only either – no fewer that three ex-referees agreed it was the right call whilst all of them suggested Rangers, not Celtic, have more right to feel aggrieved from the weekend’s calls.
Anyone of a Celtic persuasion has tended to disagree.
And it’s those with emerald-tinted spectacles who have been the subject of Philippe Clement’s latest comments, with the Rangers manager unperturbed to say the least.
Philippe Clement: Fabio Silva incident is a “penalty”
Whilst Philippe Clement acknowledges that footballing tribalism exists in all forms in Scotland, the Rangers manager has shot down Celtic’s team of cheerleaders.
Brendan Rodgers accused Silva of “simulation” after the match, whilst Chris Sutton’s wailing over the incident sparked a feud with Graeme Souness.
We don’t have to list the rest – and the many – of a green persuasion who are trying to perfect the art of crying conspiracy without outright saying so.
These opinions are not something which make a jot of difference to the Rangers manager, who welcomes serious contributions only.
“It’s clearly a penalty,” Clement said. “Because only if you have coloured glasses you say it’s not a penalty. People who are neutral, or maybe even if they say they have coloured glasses, they say a neutral thing.
“I see the Ref Watch in England and Dermot Gallagher (Sky Sports refereeing expert) – who is neutral, although maybe people say he is more a favourite of Celtic, I don’t know if it’s true or not – but he clearly says it is a penalty. And all the situations were clear in the game.
“I’m also disappointed when we score a goal and they go back more than 10 seconds. You can also have the discussion – the defender of Celtic touched the ball first, so you can say that’s a new action. I didn’t make any comments about that, nothing.
“So don’t put a stamp on Fabio about that situation because he got kicked on the knee. That’s the reality. It’s a penalty.”
Rangers manager backs forward
Whilst the Rangers manager has clearly no time for Chris Sutton et al’s post-match wailing, Fabio Silva has been the subject of much conversation.
The Rangers loanee didn’t win himself too many pals with his dramatic reactions in the game and Clement insists he’s spoken to the 21-year-old privately.
Silva is very much still learning and if the Rangers forward wants to make an impact v the Parkhead side, the best way to do it is by silencing them.
“There were two actions which I was not happy with him about and I show him today also about that,” said Clement. “He should have been stronger in the duel and he was not strong enough.
“For him it was also his first Old Firm. It’s the first time in this situation so those are normal things. He will become stronger out of this.
“We had a really good talk. I showed him the images, he understands. This is again an evolution for him as a player and as a person also, to become stronger. Those are the interesting lessons.”
Interestingly, Philippe Clement has also shown his Walter Smith credentials by giving Fabio Silva the Cristiano Ronaldo treatment.
