Sean Fisher

Wed 21 December 2022 13:10, UK

Kris Boyd has defended James Sands and James Tavernier after the Rangers duo were both involved in handball controversy v Aberdeen.

A frantic first half of football saw Aberdeen and Rangers enter the halftime break level after goals from Fashion Sakala and Luis Lopes.

The hosts appealed for two penalties in the first half, with the ball striking James Sands’ hand inside the box, while Tavernier was also accused of handling the ball. Both were waved away by VAR.

During the break, Boyd told Sky Sports Main Event (20 December, 8:56pm) that was grateful to see the penalty claims dismissed.

“I don’t know what he’s supposed to do with his hand there,” said Boyd.

“They’re not penalty kicks. I think we went through a spell there where every single thing that hit the hand was a penalty kick. But they’re not penalty kicks.”

Lucky escape

Rangers left it extremely late to rescue a win against Aberdeen, with Scott Arfield’s last-gasp brace sealing an absolutely vital three points.

Beale knows his only chance to salvage the title race this season is to continue piling pressure on Celtic while Gers continue to play before them.

Ange Postecoglou’s side now has to fend off a visit from Livingston on Wednesday night after the gap was cut down to six points.

But Beale won’t be too amazed by his side’s victory. He’ll be keen to get back on the training ground and iron out some of the flaws he saw from his side.

Despite picking up three points, it was hardly a brilliant display from Rangers, with plenty of sloppy passes and defensive mistakes.

Regardless of that though, Rangers will take the points and move on. A blockbuster Old Firm derby is on the horizon on 2 December.

In other Rangers news, Lee Bowyer backtracks on his opinion of Joe Aribo’s move to Ibrox