Celtic edged out Mark Warburton’s Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers 1-0 on Sunday.
Erik Sviatchenko has expressed his disbelief to BBC Sport that his goal in Celtic’s Scottish League Cup semi-final win over Rangers was disallowed.
Moussa Dembele netted an 87th-minute winner as Ranger’s resistance finally waned following an inspired performance from goalkeeper Matt Gilks.
But Celtic could, and perhaps should, have opened the scoring early in the second half when Sviatchenko guided his header beyond a rooted Gilks.
But referee Craig Thomson ruled it out on the basis that the 25-year-old fouled Rangers defender Clint Hill in the build-up, with television replays indicating that it looked harsh on the Hoops centre-back.
And speaking to BBC Sport, the big Danish defender says he was shocked that his goal was chalked off, but says he is just happy to be in the final no matter what.
“I couldn’t believe it wasn’t allowed because I thought I did brilliant getting him off me and heading into the back of the net but Moussa did well scoring at the end and we are in the final.
“I thought we were the better team and when you take the initiative and dominate the other team then you will be rewarded and we did in the end.”
The Bhoys, who beat Rangers 5-1 in a Premiership game last month, should have won by a far greater margin – and would have if not for Gilks, who pulled off a host of fine saves.
Brendan Rodgers’s side face off with Aberdeen in the final at Hampden Park next month as the Northern Irishman aims for his first major trophy as Celgic manager, after replacing Ronny Deila during the summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
