Richard Foster slams Filip Helander after incident in Rangers 2-1 loss to Malmo
Rangers defender Filip Helander was on the receiving end of criticism from Richard Foster after an incident in the second half of their 2-1 defeat to Malmo on Tuesday.
The Sweden international lined up alongside Connor Goldson at the heart of the Rangers backline for the first leg of their third-round qualifying clash.
However, he did not enjoy a happy return to his homeland as he and the rest of the Gers team struggled to contain Malmo during a manic start to the second half which ultimately cost Steven Gerrard’s side the game.
There was more than just the goals, with the Gers fortunate with a few other situations as well.
Former Rangers right-back Foster was particularly unimpressed with one incident in the second half, despite Helander emerging from it with a free- kick.
“I think he’s lucky, I think it’s a penalty,” Foster told BBC Sportsound [03/08/21].
“He’s clumsy, he comes through the back of the striker, I think he’s very, very lucky not to give away a penalty there.”
More competition?
There has been a lot of talk about centre-halves at Rangers this summer, with Gerrard seemingly well-stocked in that area.
Helander, Goldson, Leon Balogun, Nikola Katic and Jack Simpson are all at the club, while George Edmundson has only recently departed.
That hasn’t stopped speculation linking Gerrard with another one though, with his ex-England teammate Gary Cahill reportedly on top of his agenda.
There have been fans calling for the manager to hold off on Cahill, but on tonight’s viewing, a cool head at the back may just be what the Gers need.
Goldson and Helander both looked in distress as they were run ragged at times by Malmo, with the former particularly culpable for the second goal.
In other Rangers news, a BBC pundit was stunned by this ‘Exceptional’ moment v Malmo.