This week, Rangers fans have been discussing referee Kevin Clancy. The referee has taken charge of 13 matches so far this season in the Scottish Premiership.
Of the 13 Scottish Premiership matches he has refereed this season, five of the games have featured Celtic. Four of those games were at Parkhead.
He has also refereed Celtic 37 times in his entire career, awarding six penalties during these matches. He has only awarded Celtic’s opponents one penalty during these games.
The referee has refereed Rangers just 28 times but only awarded them two penalties during this time. He has awarded Rangers’ opponents four penalties. One of the penalties Clancy awarded Celtic was against Rangers during the last Old Firm.
Celtic went on to miss the penalty, though Clancy also brandished Alfredo Morelos with two yellow cards during this match as well.
When the topic of Clancy being awarded yet another Celtic match this upcoming Sunday arose, Rangers fans were exasperated.
Nothing surprises me anymore.
— Uncle Albertz (@skoosh1) February 18, 2020
Hmmmmmm. Nothing dodgy there at all. If they’re struggling I’m sure he’ll help them out. Again.
— HighlanderBoy (@BoyHighlander) February 18, 2020
SFA Mafia!
— RangersUltra (@ultra_rangers) February 18, 2020
Even for our league that’s incredible.
— sclark73 (@stewart020214) February 18, 2020
Farcical, he should have been made to walk after that last old firm.
— Zander (@82Zander) February 18, 2020
@SK1N1873 now here’s a disgrace!
— Steven (@steven19811) February 18, 2020
Does Kevin Clancy show bias during his matches?
Yes
No
Some fans even joke that when Clancy referees matches at Parkhead, he is playing at home.
Saves him using his season ticket I suppose.
— c_thebro (@oldskool_1872) February 18, 2020
Saves him buying a ticket for the home end I guess
So how do they decide this?
— Helander (@CraigG15977856) February 18, 2020
What do we think?
The statistics tell a damning story for Clancy. These Rangers fans are right to remain speculative of Clancy’s bias. However, perhaps this is just cynicism?
Indeed, the only thing Rangers can control is how they play. If they show up on the day ready to fight, they should be able to overcome poor refereeing.