Kris Boyd clashes with Sky Sports pundit on live TV as he rages over Malik Tillman in Rangers win v Hibs
Kris Boyd and James McFadden were involved in an animated argument during the half-time break in Rangers’ win against Hibernian on Thursday (15 December) at Ibrox.
The Bears won 3-2 against Hibs in Michael Beale’s first game in charge, but they were 2-1 down at the break.
While discussing major events in the opening half for Sky Sports Football (16 Dec, 08:52 pm), Boyd was particularly unhappy with Malik Tillman who stood still for the first goal as Ryan Porteous made the leap and scored with a header.
McFadden suggests that it was the fault of John Lundstram who couldn’t clear the danger. Both of them made their cases, and the two Sky Sports pundits looked very animated. Here’s the transcription of what happened at Sky Sports studio on 15 December.
Boyd said: “[Tillman] makes himself look smaller, doesn’t he? When you’re in that area, it tells me if you’re not one of the designated pickers to go and pick up, you’re in there for a reason, to go and head the ball and clear it. He actually makes himself smaller.”
McFadden replied: “I still think it’s Lundstram [at fault] though. He comes off him and then turns his body and allows Porteous to run off the back.”
Boyd argued: “Yes but if you’re in that area, you go an attack it.”
McFadden responded: “I agree but you still need to pick the man up.”
Boyd added: “Oh, 100 per cent.”
Poor defending
Rangers were once again caught napping at the back, and it was another instance of poor defending from the players.
Boyd has a strong point here. When you’re in the box, you have to make the jump to prevent the cross from the corner / set-piece, irrespective of whether you’ll meet the ball or not.
In this case, the callow youth, Tillman, didn’t make any attempt to get the ball, and that was a big mistake.
At the same time, McFadden is also spot-on about Lundstram. The midfielder, who is more experienced, should have properly dealt with the set-piece threat.
Lundstram gave the impression that he has properly marked Porteous and that he has covered the area well, but at the crucial time, he simply turned his body around allowing the Hibs defender to score without any challenge.
A much-improved performance in the second half earned all three points for Beale’s side but definitely, the Gers will have plenty to worry about their defending.
In other Rangers news, an out-of-court agreement could be reached for the Gers as documents have been submitted.