Paul Merson appeared to mistake Rangers boss Philippe Clement with Manchester United legend Jaap Stam.
The Arsenal hero suffered his embarrassing blunder on Sky Sports as the panel reacted to the VAR decision which saw Cyriel Desser’s equaliser ruled out in the action-packed 3-3 Old Firm draw last Sunday against Celtic.
Merse and the panel discussed the confusion that arose after referee John Beaton ruled out the goal due to a foul on Tomoki Iwata by Tom Lawrence in the build-up. As Beaton returned from the monitor, he pointed to award the foul but appeared to gesture towards the centre spot and seemingly give the goal.
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As the referee did so, the vast majority of Ibrox began cheering believing the goal had been awarded. But those celebrations, including from Clement, were cut short as it soon became obvious the goal had been disallowed.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean was on hand to cast his eye on the incident, he said "He's looked at the screen and he's disallowed it, but he's pointing as if he's given the goal. The reaction of the stadium though, they all think he's given the goal. You don't just point to where it (the foul) is."
Would you have confused Philippe Clement with Jaap Stam? Let us know in the comments section.
The camera at Ibrox panned to Clement following the VAR intervention, who after speaking with the linesman realised the goal had in fact been overturned, prematurely wiping the smile off his face and seeing him bury his head in his hands. To which Merson then joined in the discussion, adding: "Well, Jaap Stam thinks he's given it!"
In defence of Merson, if the comment wasn't a joke that fell flat, we’re sure there were plenty of others who at a swift and confused glance thought the former Reading and Feyenoord manager was in the dugout. However, none of those at home were sat on a panel adding their expert analysis to the incident.
Stam is currently the manager of minnow DOS Kampen in his native Netherlands following a three-year absence from the dugout since he was sacked by MLS side FC Cincinnati in September 2021.
