Celtic midfielder Arne Engels has criticised the media’s narrative following Celtic’s dramatic Premier Sports Cup final victory last weekend.
The Hoops claimed their first silverware of the season after a pulsating six-goal clash with Rangers that culminated in a penalty shootout. Yet much of the post-match discourse has centred on Rangers’ appeals for a penalty during the first period of extra time.
Liam Scales was seen pulling the shirt of Vaclav Cerny, who appeared to be just inside the box.
Willie Collum, the SFA’s Head of Referees, has since admitted a penalty should have been awarded, calling the VAR team’s failure to intervene “unacceptable.”
While the incident was a pivotal moment in one of the season’s biggest fixtures, the ongoing scrutiny has irked Engels, who believes the spotlight should instead have been on his teammate James Forrest.
“I’m not aware of everything that’s been said,” Engels told the Glasgow Times.
“But last Sunday we showed that we’re a really good team who can perform in the big games. We deserved to win it, and that’s why we were on the podium. That’s all that matters.
“Is it a shame that people are talking about other things? James Forrest equalled a record by winning the trophy, he has so many medals now and is a quality player.
“If there needs to be something said after Sunday, it should be about him.”
Forrest’s contribution is no small feat. The veteran winger’s medal haul now matches Celtic legend Bobby Lennox’s record of 25, making him the joint most decorated player in the club’s history.
While he faces six weeks on the sidelines due to injury, Forrest’s loyalty and achievements deserve recognition, not to be overshadowed by post-match controversies.
