Ange Postecoglou praised for act that 'showed a lot of class' after Celtic defeat to Rangers

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou was lauded for his calm reaction to referee Bobby Madden after the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Rangers at Hampden.

There were question marks over Madden’s failure to award Joe Aribo a second yellow card while Rangers’ winning goal also had a hint of offside – albeit very marginally – but Postecoglou made no attempt to remonstrate with the official as he shooks his hands after the full-time whistle.

Celtic led the last four clash through Greg Taylor’s 64th minute strike but substitute Scott Arfield levelled on 78 minutes to force extra-time where an own goal from Carl Starfelt, under pressure from Fashion Sakala, sealed the win for Rangers and a place in the May 21 final against Hearts.

It was a painful defeat for Postecoglou as his dreams of a domestic treble in his first season in charge evaporated and Premier Sports pundit Michael Stewart felt the actions of the Celtic boss after the match had “showed a lot of class”.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou on the Hampden touchline during the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Rangers. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

He said: “Ange Posecoglou went right over and was shaking the referee's hand, which I think is a big thing because you could easily turn round and say as a Celtic-minded person that Bobbby Madden gave a lot of bad decisions.

"I thought it was a very good point to go over and shake the referee's hand. It matters a lot because on the balance of play Rangers were the better side. The referee didn't have a great game but it showed a lot of class in the Celtic manager [to do] that.”

Former Rangers star Alan Hutton was in agreement, adding: “That’s the type of guy he is.”

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