‘Is it reckless?’ – Exclusive: McLeish deliberates on contentious incident involving Rangers ace
We’re delighted to welcome former Rangers manager Alex McLeish as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Alex McLeish has claimed that Dundee United player Ryan Edwards did not deserve to be sent off for his challenge on Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos over the weekend.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the former Gers boss argued that the 26-year-old made a “natural movement” in his attempt to win the ball from the Colombian during his side’s 4-0 defeat on Saturday afternoon.
Morelos was stretchered off after receiving a gash to the side of his knee following a 50/50 with the defender.
Edwards went unpunished for the incident during the match, and it has since been announced that no retrospective action will be taken against the player after a panel of ex-referees failed to reach a consensus on whether or not it justified a ban.
Speaking to Ibrox News, McLeish admitted that he was inclined to agree with that decision too.
He said: “I saw the officials’ verdict saying that they just couldn’t decide.
“They couldn’t really see it [being a red]. It was a kind of follow through type of action. It’s a natural movement.
“Is it reckless because there’s a player behind the ball and he’s coming right through? I don’t think that the guy had studs up per se.
“I can see where the officials are coming from. It was a blow for Rangers, but did the guy deserved to be sent off? On this occasion, no.”
The lack of retrospective action against Edwards has sparked debate, with both Michael Stewart and Chris Iwelumo stating that it should have been a sending-off for the Dundee man.
Despite being taken off following the incident at the weekend, Morelos was deemed fit enough to be included in Steven Gerrard’s match day squad for the Europa League clash against Lincoln Red Imps on Thursday evening.
In other Rangers news, the Gers have a player-plus-cash deal on the cards, club ready to swap centre-mid & forward.