Rangers launch appeal over John Lundstram red card vs Hibernian, express concerns over Willie Collum to SFA
Rangers have officially appealed John Lundstram’s red card against Hibernian and have expressed concern over the performance of referee Willie Collum.
The Gers dropped points for the first time this season when they were held to a 2-2 draw at Easter Road, with both Lundstram and Alfredo Morelos both controversially sent off before an injury time equaliser against them.
The club have now appealed the decision officially, with Lundstram facing a two game ban for his tackle, and told the SFA about their concerns over the hastiness at which the referee made the decision having previously shared concerns over him back in 2018 according to official club partner Four Lads Had A Dream.
Lundstram and Morelos are currently set to be banned for the weekend clash against Ross County and the Scottish Cup game against Queen of the South, returning just in time for the first Old Firm derby of the season.
The club are yet to appeal the Morelos red card, and it is unknown currently whether they are planning to or not.
Shocking
There was literally zero reason for the referee to show Lundstram a red card and while Morelos did touch the defender’s face with his arm, brandishing a red card was incredibly harsh.
Lundstram’s foul was cynical but it was low and safe, and we saw on Sunday when Kieran Trippier was given a red card for a similar tackle that was then overturned by VAR.
It’s highly likely they’ll be successful in getting the Liverpool-born ace to be available for the coming games, but Morelos’ situation is less cut and dry because of the fact his arm was raised.
But the fact that it was Collum in charge once again, and he made mistakes that were obvious to everyone is concerning and the SFA have to be seen to be taking action to correct it or risk it happening once again.
On this occasion you can argue that it cost us two vital points in the title race and with the way Celtic have been playing for the last 12 months domestically, that could be the difference come the end of the season.
In other Rangers news, the club must keep hold of “best player” to maintain challenge against Celtic amid firm transfer interest