The decision not to issue a second yellow card to Callum McGregor during the fiery Glasgow Derby at Ibrox has become a major talking point, dividing opinion among fans and pundits alike. Referee Don Robertson’s decision to caution Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin while allowing McGregor, already on a yellow card, to avoid further punishment has drawn both criticism and praise. The incident occurred just before half-time, with emotions running high and tensions boiling over in what was already a fiercely contested encounter.

The flashpoint came as the whistle blew for the break, with Rangers leading 1-0 through Ianis Hagi’s low drive. McGregor and Raskin were seen grappling with each other’s jerseys after an exchange of words, with McGregor sporting a smirk as the Belgian midfielder became visibly agitated. Rangers teammate Vaclav Cerny intervened to hold Raskin back, but the altercation had already drawn the attention of the referee. Robertson assessed the situation and decided to book Raskin, while McGregor returned to the dressing room unpunished despite his initial yellow card earlier in the match.

The incident has sparked significant debate, with former referees and analysts weighing in on Robertson’s handling of the clash. Speaking on BBC Sportsound, former Scotland international Leanne Crichton offered insight into the referee’s thought process. She explained:

“Callum McGregor is on a yellow card, so to allow himself to become embroiled in that – normally, the referee would just flash a yellow card at both players and nip it in the bud. But in this case, Robertson clearly felt that Raskin was the one escalating the situation and chose to caution him alone. It’s a judgment call, and in moments like this, referees are often trying to manage the game rather than make it worse.”

Former referee Des Roache, speaking to Record Sport, echoed Crichton’s sentiments and defended Robertson’s decision. Roache highlighted McGregor’s ability to remain composed during the heated exchange, suggesting it played a key role in avoiding further punishment.

“Raskin was sucked in by McGregor,” Roache explained. “He grabs his shirt high up in an aggressive manner, and it’s clear that Raskin’s reaction is the more excessive of the two. A yellow card for Raskin is the correct call. Was McGregor lucky to avoid a second yellow? No, I don’t think so. He was smart and didn’t cross the line. Raskin, on the other hand, needs to be more careful in the second half.”

For many Celtic fans, Robertson’s decision reflects prudent game management, avoiding what could have been a significant turning point in the match by reducing Celtic to ten men. However, others, particularly among the Rangers support, have criticized the call, arguing that McGregor’s involvement warranted equal punishment. The decision has raised broader questions about consistency in officiating, with critics suggesting that the standard of refereeing in high-stakes matches remains inconsistent.

This incident underscores the intense scrutiny referees face in derby matches, where emotions run high, and every decision is magnified. While Robertson’s decision may have defused the immediate tension, it has left lingering frustrations and reignited debates about how such situations should be handled. In the end, the referee’s priority is to manage the game effectively, and Robertson’s choice to caution only Raskin reflects a calculated effort to maintain control in a volatile atmosphere. Whether fans agree or not, such decisions will always be part of the drama and controversy that define derby days in Scottish football.