Brendan Rodgers in knowing Rangers penalty wink as Celtic boss issues icy VAR blast

Brendan Rodgers aimed an icy blast at VAR after Celtic stormed into the last 16 of the Scottish cup with a five goal battering of Buckie Thistle.

The defending champions had another four goals chopped off by the officials as storm Isha wreaked some havoc of its own on Glasgow’s east end. But, while the Parkhead boss was content that the key calls were correct, he was angered by a decision in the opening minutes of the match to deny his side a penalty kick only for it to be overturned after a review showed Liel Abada had strayed offside in the build up.

And, with a nod to the Old Firm derby furore sparked when Rangers were denied a penalty in similar circumstances Rodgers said:” It’s just unfortunate. I think the frustrating one was the penalty one that was looked at. “It shouldn’t be looked at - it’s offside. But they had to for some reason, it’s protocol according to the fourth official.

“They had to look to see if it’s a penalty first before they look to disallow it because it’s offside, which just seems ridiculous”

And Rodgers added with the wink of an eye: “If it’s offside then the penalty doesn’t even matter…as we know!”

Paulo Bernardo finally made the breakthrough after 24 minutes with Odin Thiago-Holm and Kyogo Furuhashi getting in on the act before the half time interval.

Luis Palma netted a fourth five minutes into the second half and sub Rocco Vata made it 5-0 shortly after replacing Kyogo in 62 minutes. Vata’s future at the club has been the subject of some speculation during the transfer window with two Italian clubs - Bologna and Como - thought to be waiting in the wings.

Rodgers said: “Young players have to earn the right and the likes of Rocco there has been a lot of noise around him but he is a very young