Tam McManus: Rangers should ‘never’ have had a penalty against Red Star
Rangers should “never” have had a penalty at Ibrox last night (10 March) because Ryan Kent had already lost the ball according to Tam McManus.
James Tavernier once again opened the scoring from the spot in Europe, after the Bears winger went down on the edge of the area, and a VAR review determined it to be a foul.
Gers were awarded penalties in both legs against Dortmund, and continued the streak against Red Star Belgrade as they took a 3-0 lead from the last-16 first leg, but McManus believes they were very lucky this time.
Speaking on the PLZ Football Show, via Football Scotland, the former Hibernian forward said: “They got fortunate for the penalty, for me it’s not a penalty, it’s never a penalty kick.
“I thought Ryan Kent lost control of the ball and ran into the boy’s leg, so that’s where VAR for me has got to see that.
“I can’t believe they had a look at it and gave the penalty, to be honest, but Rangers will take it.
“Tavernier stuck it away, what a penalty – top corner.”
Rode their luck
Kent has now won penalties in very similar areas in back to back European ties at Ibrox, but unlike the clear foul against Dortmund, this one looked more debatable.
There was contact with the visiting defender, but the Englishman did look to have already miscued while performing a step-over.
It was just one of many things that went the home side’s way on the night, but arguably the only one that the visitors can have any real complaints about.
The captain characteristically dispatched the opportunity and Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side never looked back.
In contrast to the stodgy nature of the domestic form, where fine margins continue to go against them, Gers seem to be living a charmed life in Europe.
The team raises their game for the knock-out nights, and luck seems to follow them, as three Red Star goals were also narrowly offside last night.
So, while McManus has a point, the Light Blues are taking full advantage and fans will expect them to complete the job in Belgrade.
In other Rangers news, one visiting defender is licking his wounds after coming up against ‘El Bufalo’.