Former Rangers striker baffled by Brian Graham after ‘UFC’ incident in Rangers v Partick Thistle
Former Rangers player Lewis MacLeod was left baffled by Partick Thistle striker Brian Graham after the 35-year-old clashed with Borna Barisic in the Gers’ Scottish Cup fifth-round tie.
The veteran striker appeared the wrestle the Croatian full-back to the ground in the first half, which resulted in a free-kick being given the Light Blues’ way.
Talking on Rangers TV’s coverage of the game the former midfielder referenced Saturday evening’s UFC 284 in relation to Graham’s tackle.
“I thought the UFC was on last night. He certainly puts himself about, but I don’t know what you would call that move,” said MacLeod (Rangers TV, 16:24, 12 February).
Odd one
It was certainly a strange attempt at a tackle from the striker, that is for sure. It was a difficult first half for the Light Blues, who struggled to make any inroads into the Thistle defence. The Championship side defended extremely well for the most part and took their chance when they were given the chance.
Barisic did well to just walk away from the brawl with Graham. He could’ve easily reacted to the striker’s attempt to win the ball and earned himself a booking or worse. The Croatian has enjoyed an upturn in form under Michael Beale and seems to be a lot more confident.
In the latter stages of Giovanni van Bronkhorst’s tenure at the club, the left-back seemed to be the scapegoat of many fans, and it was visible whenever he was playing. However, the new boss has clearly reinvigorated the 30-year-old, and he looks like an impressive attacking threat on the left flank.
In other Rangers news, the Ibrox bank is set for a cash boost after a document emerged on Wednesday.