Dermot Gallagher shares verdict on controversy in Rangers win v Motherwell live on Sky Sports
Dermot Gallagher believes Rangers’ third goal against Motherwell looked like an “optical illusion”, but the correct decision was made and Fashion Sakala was onside in the build-up.
The Gers eventually came away 4-2 victors at Fir Park on Saturday (18 March), but the win wasn’t without its controversy when the VAR intervened in Todd Cantwell’s first goal since joining the club in January.
Despite the VAR lines that were broadcast not looking like they aligned with the 18-year box, ex-FIFA referee Gallagher told Sky Sports Ref Watch (Monday 20 March, 11:57) the right decision was made and Sakala was just played onside by the Motherwell defence.
He said: “I think the optical illusion comes on this one here because people look at the body shape, but it’s the furthest point forward that you can score with.
“The defender has actually just played him onside.”
Strange
An optical illusion is the best possible way to describe how Rangers’ third goal looked, with the lines drawn on the VAR looking a little wonky, even with some Rangers tinted glasses on.
The entertaining encounter was full of its controversial moments, with a red card and further offside calls raising the temperature of the Gers’ win, which extended Michael Beale’s unbeaten start to the Scottish Premiership to 14 games.
Cantwell’s first goal since moving to Ibrox was a just reward for some terrific performances in the middle of the park.
The former Norwich City player has taken the competition for places in his stride and is going toe-to-toe against the likes of Malik Tillman and Fashion Sakala for a spot in the starting line-up.
Whether Beale can manufacture room for both Cantwell and Tillman will be interesting to see, with both playmakers a luxury item in the side. It is unlikely that Rangers could compete in the middle of the park against the likes of Celtic with both players in the team, so one of these young stars will have to make way after the international break.
In other Rangers news, the board should now be feeling the pressure after images emerge from stands in 4-2 win over Motherwell.