"This is not football anymore" "Is this a UFC match or what? "Definitely the referee needs to be questioned"

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“This is not football anymore.”
“Is this a UFC match or what?”
“Definitely the referee needs to be questioned.”

Those were the explosive reactions from pundits and fans after a shocking moment during the latest Old Firm clash between Rangers F.C. and Celtic F.C. that has now sparked massive controversy across Scottish football.

What began as another intense battle between Scotland’s two biggest rivals quickly turned into one of the most talked-about incidents of the season after a dangerous challenge left players, commentators, and supporters furious.

The Old Firm derby is known worldwide for its intensity, passion, and physical battles, but many observers believe the line between aggression and recklessness was crossed during this particular moment.


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Tempers Boiling in a Heated Derby

From the opening whistle, the match was played at a ferocious pace. Both teams flew into tackles, pressing aggressively and fighting for every loose ball.

The crowd inside the stadium could feel the tension building with every challenge.

Referee decisions were already being questioned as players from both sides pushed the limits of physical play. Several minor confrontations broke out early in the game, with players exchanging heated words after heavy tackles.

But nothing prepared the stadium for what happened midway through the second half.


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The Moment That Sparked Outrage

As Celtic attempted to build an attack through midfield, Japanese star Reo Hatate received the ball and began to turn away from pressure.

Suddenly, Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin launched into a reckless challenge that immediately stunned everyone watching.

Raskin came flying in with excessive force, his studs high and his momentum carrying him straight into Hatate’s standing leg. The Celtic midfielder collapsed instantly, clutching his ankle as players from both teams rushed toward the scene.

The tackle triggered immediate chaos on the pitch.

Celtic players surrounded the referee demanding a red card, while Rangers teammates attempted to calm the situation before it escalated further.

Medical staff sprinted onto the field as Hatate remained on the ground for several tense moments.

The stadium fell silent as fans waited anxiously to see if the Celtic midfielder would be able to continue.


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Pundits React with Fury

The reaction from pundits watching the incident was immediate and brutal.

One television analyst said during the live broadcast:

> “This is not football anymore. That is a dangerous, reckless tackle.”



Another pundit could hardly believe what he had seen.

> “Is this a UFC match or what? That is a shocking challenge.”



However, the most controversial part of the situation came moments later when the referee reached for his pocket and produced only a yellow card.

The decision instantly sparked outrage.

> “Definitely the referee needs to be questioned,” one pundit said angrily.
“That is a straight red card all day long.”




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Calls for Major Punishment

As replays of the tackle circulated on television and social media, the criticism only intensified.

Many former players and analysts have now urged the Scottish Football Association to launch a full review of the incident.

According to several pundits, challenges of that nature should not be tolerated in professional football.

One commentator said bluntly:

> “That kind of tackle should be banned from football. It risks serious injury.”



Another analyst went even further, calling for the harshest possible punishment if the governing body finds the challenge to be reckless endangerment.

> “If they want to protect players, the SFA must act. Some tackles deserve lifetime bans.”




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Celtic Camp Furious

Inside the Celtic camp, frustration and anger were clearly visible after the match.

Several Celtic players reportedly confronted the referee in the tunnel, demanding an explanation for the decision not to send Raskin off.

Supporters also flooded social media, posting clips of the tackle and demanding retrospective action.

Some fans even described the incident as “one of the most dangerous tackles seen in an Old Firm derby in years.”


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Rangers Response

Meanwhile, Rangers supporters have offered a more divided response.

Some fans believe Raskin mistimed the challenge but had no intention of hurting Hatate. Others admitted the tackle looked dangerous and could easily have resulted in a red card.

Regardless of the intent, the incident has now placed the spotlight firmly on the Scottish FA.


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SFA Under Pressure

With the debate refusing to fade, the pressure is mounting on the Scottish Football Association to decide whether retrospective disciplinary action should be taken.

If the governing body decides the referee made a serious error, Raskin could still face suspension.

For now, the Old Firm derby that should have been remembered for football has instead become the center of one of the biggest controversies of the season.

And across Scotland, fans are still asking the same question:

Was it just a bad tackle… or something far more dangerous? ⚽🔥