Michael Stewart shares ‘concerning’ Rangers verdict despite 1-0 win at Hibernian
Michael Stewart has shared a “concerning” verdict on Rangers despite their 1-0 win over Hibernian on Wednesday night (1 December).
Ryan Kent was awarded a second-half penalty after referee John Beaton deemed Hibs defender Ryan Porteous to have tripped him in the penalty area.
After protestations from the home side, Kemar Roofe stepped up to dispatch the spot-kick and earn Rangers a win in Edinburgh.
BBC Sportscene pundit Stewart delivered his verdict on the game via his personal Twitter profile on Thursday (2 December).
“It was 100% penalty last night at Easter Road, tough one for Hibs but right call,” he said.
“Perhaps a little concerning for Rangers will be if a big decision doesn’t happen then points will be dropped because another fairly flat performance from them I thought, but huge win nonetheless.”
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Kent’s quick feet were too much for Ibrox villain Porteous and it was an obvious penalty to award.
Was the contact fairly minimal? Perhaps, but it was enough to stop Kent in his tracks and significantly affect his ability to cut inside and fashion a shooting opportunity.
It certainly didn’t warrant the protests that ensued from the Hibs players.
What’s more surprising is Stewart’s agreement that it was a penalty.
However, he wasn’t prepared to leave it at that as he took aim at the Gers for their performance under new manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
It was only their third game under the Dutchman, and their third win.
That’s not bad going, and given the minimal training sessions he will have had with the squad, there should be no cause for concern at this stage.
In other Rangers news, the Gers are battling Celtic in the race to sign this PL attacking sensation with a permanent deal possible.