Ally McCoist rages over controversy in Rangers v Benfica in live rant on BT Sport
Ally McCoist was furious that Rangers were not awarded a penalty when they were 1-0 up against Benfica on Thursday night.
Steven Gerrard’s side ended up letting slip of a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 in the Europa League showdown at Ibrox but the Gers should have had the chance to add to their lead via the penalty spot in the second half.
Kemar Roofe ran with the ball down the right-wing and as he crossed the ball into the box, it clearly struck the arm of Benfica defender Jan Vertonghen in the penalty area.
The former Tottenham centre-back raised his right arm, which blocked Roofe’s cross and led to the ball tamely rolling towards the goalkeeper.
McCoist could not believe that the penalty wasn’t awarded even though he’s not a fan of how handballs are judged in the modern era.
“It’s a penalty,” McCoist said on BT Sport 3 after the game on Thursday night.
“Nowadays, it is. It’s not an argument because you see it from this angle, Vertonghen brings his arm up the way there, he lifts his right arm and it hits his arm.”
When it was pointed out that the linesman was looking straight at the incident, McCoist said: “Of course he is.
“Do you know something? I don’t like the rule to tell you the truth but the rule is there and that’s a penalty.”
There was no excuse as to why Rangers should not have been awarded a penalty.
It was a blatant, blatant handball by Vertonghen and the linesman was looking right at the incident. It’s not as though the ball was moving very fast and there were loads of players around. It was a stonewaller.
Speaking after the game, as quoted by the Daily Record, Gerrard also said it should have been a spot-kick for his side.
He said: “It’s a penalty, it’s a penalty.
“It’s not annoying, it needs looking at because I can see it and I’m further away than the official but it’s a clear penalty for everyone to see.”
We cannot say we’re fans of VAR but surely a second-look at that incident would have led to a penalty being awarded.
However, it’s just baffling that the Romanian linesman could not see that handball in real time.
Referees have a tough job but that really wasn’t a hard decision to make if the linesman was communicating properly with his referee.
In other Rangers news, this young attacker has agreed a new contract at Ibrox.