‘Nonsense,’ McCoist responds to Stelling live on air after the Rangers’ ‘Conspiracy’ emerges.

Ally McCoist has slammed Celtic for implying that there is a “conspiracy” to ensure that Rangers receive more penalties than other Scottish Premiership teams.

In the Light Blues’ 3-1 win over Dundee on Saturday (9 December), James Tavernier scored their ninth penalty in their last ten domestic matches, prompting speculation that Philippe Clement’s side is being aided by shady officials.

Rangers have also only given up one penalty in their last seven games, far fewer than any other team in Scotland, and McCoist has offered his services to Celtic live on air to help them stop giving away penalties.

“That’s a load of nonsense,” he said on talkSPORT (12 December, 9:53). “Absolute nonsense.”

“If we’re going to go down that road we are questioning the integrity of Scottish referees and Scottish referees and officials, the same as referees and officials all over the country, all over Europe and the world make mistakes.”

Jeff Stelling replied: “Over the last six seasons they’ve won more penalties than any other team and in the last 71 games do you know how many penalties they’ve had given against them? One penalty against them.

“Celtic have conceded eight penalties in that time. No conspiracy?”

McCoist responded, saying, “It’s all about the defending, you need to stay on your feet, Jeff. I’ll have a word, if the Celtic boys want me to have a word on how to defend, I’ll talk them through it. Stay on your feet, don’t give the referee an opportunity to give a penalty kick.

“Celtic have had more penalties than us this season and you know something, if you attack as much as Rangers and Celtic do, you’ll get more penalties. Simple. We cannot, cannot, go down the road of pointing fingers at the integrity of officials.”

Rangers receive a penalty.

This has been a stick to beat Rangers with in recent years, with the Light Blues receiving preferential treatment from officials when in the opposition box, but it is clear that the larger issue is the poor standard of officiating in Scottish football.

Clement’s side were fortunate to be awarded a penalty against Dundee, but in the modern game, that much contact will always result in a penalty. They were also unlucky to see Jose Cifuentes sent off for a late challenge in the first half.

The Light Blues may appear to be getting the short end of the stick in terms of penalty calls, but the suggestion that this is due to a conspiracy is “nonsense,” as McCoist has stated.

It appears unlikely that Celtic will accept McCoist’s offer to assist their defence in avoiding more fouls in the penalty area, but Rangers fans will be hoping that this fortunate penalty record continues until the end of the season.

In Other news, ‘They’ve got to stop,’ says Neil Lennon, irritated by Rangers penalty incidents during a pundit dispute.