Dermot Gallagher calls Rangers penalty ‘very good spot’ by Bobby Madden
Former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher has agreed with referee Bobby Madden and his decision to award Rangers a penalty against Dundee.
The Gers enjoyed a rather unconvincing 2-1 win at Dens Park yesterday afternoon [March 20] to keep the pressure on league leaders Celtic.
Despite James Tavernier failing to convert from the spot, the penalty that the Light Blues were awarded sparked some debate.
When asked if referee Madden had made the right call, Gallagher said: “It was actually,” as per Sky Sports [March 20] as transcribed by Daily Record.
“Because when you see it, I thought it was a foul the other way.
“But he grabbed a hold of his (Morelos’) shirt, pulls him back, it’s a very good spot by the referee.”
Stonewall
That was a definite penalty, no doubt about it.
It is always difficult to see the full extent of these incidents; the fast-paced nature of the game always makes them look softer than they actually are and when things are slowed down that only gets worse.
If you consider how hard it would be to jump up at full stretch and head the ball whilst being dragged down by an opposition player, there is only one verdict.
It does look very soft admittedly, but the Dundee defender gives Morelos absolutely no chance of scoring – unfairly – which makes it a stonewall penalty.
Kris Boyd even suggested that Jordan McGhee should have seen red for denying a clear goal scoring opportunity which caused even more controversy. Upon reflection, the referee got both decisions spot on because the Columbian still had a lot to do to convert the chance.
In the end, the Gers didn’t even need the penalty, earning all three points after it was missed. A crucial result ahead of the international break.
In other Rangers news, Sportscene duo share their verdict on Rangers’ penalty v Dundee.