BBC Sportscene pundit reacts to crazy decision that upset David Martindale as Rangers beat Livingstone
James Penrice was “crazy” to pull Alfredo Morelos’ shirt and give Rangers a penalty in the 3-0 win over Livingston, according to James McFadden.
The defender grabbed the Colombian’s shirt despite him being nowhere near winning a header in the Livi box, and after a VAR review it was given as a penalty which James Tavernier duly dispatched.
David Martindale was unhappy with the decision after the game, calling it “soft”, but McFadden was baffled as to why Penrice needed to create the situation for himself and on balance agreed with the award.
Speaking live on BBC Sportscene on Saturday evening (18 February, 7.59pm) McFadden said: “David Martindale’s disappointed with the decision and I can see both sides of it because not every shirt-pull results in a foul.
“But it’s crazy to put yourself in that situation from James Penrice. Morelos isn’t going to win the ball. I don’t think it’s impeding him in any way, but especially with VAR you’re giving the referee another look.
“And for me it’s an easier one to give than not when you see how blatant the shirt-pull is.”
Kicking himself
It was a soft one to give away from the home side’s perspective because it was so unnecessary, but it was a clear foul once seen on replays.
Some might argue that because it didn’t give anyone any advantage it shouldn’t be given, but it is likely more out of frustration on Martindale’s part that he criticised the decision since it didn’t need to happen at all.
The scoreline ultimately ended up a comfortable one, but it did take two Tavernier set-pieces that came after refereeing decisions that rankled the home boss to set them on their way.
The penalty was probably clearer than the foul on Kemar Roofe from which the Gers captain doubled the lead and saw Stephane Omeonga given a second yellow card.
But it still took Tavernier to punish the errors to make the difference, and while Livingston will be frustrated they shot themselves in the foot it is yet another win for Michael Beale.
He was subject to criticism from the travelling support but next up has the chance to lift a first trophy of his time in charge in the Viaplay Cup final against Celtic, so all in all the manager’s return to the club is clearly moving in the right direction so far.
In other Rangers news, an official club partner reacted to the banner held up against Beale at Livingston.