BBC pundit reacts to Rangers v Ross County controversy that infuriated Malky Mackay
BBC Sportsound pundit Neil McCann felt that Rangers defender James Sands should have been sent off in the first half against Ross County.
Midway through the first half and already on a yellow card, the American centre-back tangled with visiting forward Jordy Iwula who went down, but the referee was uninterested.
With the scores at 0-0 at the time before John Lundstram and Antonio Colak but the Gers two up at the break, things could have been very different if he had been given a second yellow.
Speaking live on the BBC Sportsound commentary on Saturday (27 August, 3.18pm) McCann said: “I think he’s got two hands on Hiwula, then he sort of comes together and he tries to let go but I thought James Sands pulls him down there. Malky Mackay is going absolutely ballistic.
“Listen that’s a red card on it’s own.
“What a big moment that is, honestly, James Sands.”
Referees
The Light Blues were awarded a penalty in a similar situation last week for a foul on Antonio Colak, and while Sands has adapted well to becoming a first-choice defender this was a hairy moment.
Luckily for Giovanni van Bronckhorst his side took full advantage of the reprieve in what was otherwise a strong first half performance.
Lundstram’s first of the season and yet another from new boy Colak put them comfortably ahead at the break as they look to get back on track after the first dropped points of the season a week ago.
Refereeing decisions cannot stay out of the headlines in the Scottish Premiership and Mackay will no doubt have a few things to say about this one if the result stays the same.
But the Gers can only play to the whistle and have otherwise been good value for their lead, coming off the back of the historic qualification to the Champions League group stage.
In other Rangers news, the club are interested in signing a midfielder who has already rejected a rival approach to move to Ibrox.