BBC Sportscene pundit accuses Malik Tillman of cheating in Rangers win v Dundee United as footage aired
Malik Tillman should have been booked for diving as Rangers won 2-0 against Dundee United at Ibrox on Saturday, according to Chris Iwelumo.
Tillman, 20, was in incredible form for the Light Blues on 1 April, scoring both goals to take his tally to 12 in all competitions for the season.
However, before his opening goal, the on-loan Bayern Munich attacker attempted to win a penalty by diving over Dundee United goalkeeper Mark Birighitti when it looked as though no contact was made.
Ex-Scotland striker Iwelumo believes Tillman was cheating and should have been booked by referee Don Robertson.
Speaking on BBC Scotland’s Sportscene on Saturday night (1 April, 07:43pm), Iwelumo said: “There’s a very good understanding, they’re very good players (Tillman and Todd Cantwell).
“They’re very aware of their position. They manipulate the ball, like here where Cantwell had a little touch and communication, getting on and then reacting to it.
“I’m sitting thinking he (Tillman) should’ve probably taken a yellow card for that little dive.
“I’m looking at it thinking he’s looking for a penalty.”
Unclear
Robertson didn’t award Rangers a penalty but just because Tillman went to ground, it doesn’t mean that he dived.
It did look as though the American attacker was taking evasive action to ensure that he wasn’t completely clattered by Birighitti.
The speed of the whole incident meant that it was hard to tell whether it was a dive or not.
But at the end of the day, no penalty was given, we won the game – end of.
Tillman was in sensational form at Ibrox on Saturday.
He’s now scored five goals in his last four Scottish Premiership appearances with Michael Beale clearly getting the best out of the on-loan ace.
Should a permanent deal be sought out for Tillman in the summer? Absolutely.
However, you can guarantee there will be other clubs speaking to Bayern Munich about signing Tillman permanently, potentially offering them – and him – more money.
We’d be surprised if Tillman is a Rangers player next season but the club still needs to do everything they can to sign him.
In other Rangers news, one man scored a woeful 4/10 in our player ratings for the win over Dundee United.