Matt O'Riley lands Rangers 'simulation' penalty charge before Celtic star gifted 2 pronged defence

Celtic star Matt O'Riley has been accused of a "theatrical" dive to earn his side a penalty against Rangers.

The midfielder took a tumble under pressure from Mohamed Diomande against their ten-man rivals with referee Willie Collum quickly pointing to the spot - and gifting the Scottish Premiership leaders the chance to take a 3-1 lead at Celtic Park. The VAR team would send the man in the middle to review the flashpoint at the pitch-side monitor - but whistler Collum would stick with his original decision.

The Danish international would step up to take the kick but Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland saved his penalty. Brendan Rodgers' side would hold on for the crucial win despite the miss - but that hasn't stopped O'Riley coming in for criticism for the way he went down under Diomande's challenge. Speaking on BBC 606, Robbie Savage accused O'Riley of going down easily under pressure as he told Chris Sutton the Hoops star should be in the running for their 'Simulation Game' - which is a weekly rundown of the worst dives from the weekend of football.

He said: "You know what, you are a huge advocate of the Simulation Game - but you're commentary when the Celtic player went over in the box you are screaming for a penalty. It's never a penalty - it's for the Simulation Game surely?"

Celtic legend Sutton backed up the referee stating: "Willie Collum awarded the penalty, and was sent to the monitor. He had a look at the monitor and stuck with his original decision. You are better than that, Robbie."

Rangers hero Neil McCann was also left baffled by the decision - claiming it was O'Riley who had kicked Diomande before going down. He told Sportscene: "I've watched it so many times and I think it's soft. Diomande is getting back in