Robbie Savage defends Rangers after Chris Sutton jibe live on BBC
Robbie Savage has leapt to the defence of Rangers after colleague Chris Sutton questioned the fact they had two penalties against Hearts at Ibrox.
James Tavernier missed a first-half penalty on Sunday (29 October) but later made amends by converting from 12 yards late on to make it 1-1.
Danilo scored a 93rd-minute header to snatch a dramatic Scottish Premiership win for the Gers, which was not without its controversy.
Speaking on BBC’s 606 phone-in show [29 October], as quoted by Football Scotland, Sutton said: “Rangers came from behind to win.
“They got two penalties today – just the two – and ended up winning late on.”
Savage replied: “Are they not allowed to have two penalties?”
Sutton answered: “No, they are. Let’s hear about the excitement for Philippe Clement. Are you moving up in the right direction?”
No complaints
While the performance itself was far from brilliant, the never-say-die attitude shown by the Rangers players was hugely encouraging.
From a goal down with normal time effectively up, to 2-1 winners thanks to two goals in three minutes – that was quite the turnaround.
As for the penalties themselves, Toby Sibbick clearly upended Todd Cantwell, while Connor Goldson was pulled by Peter Haring for the second.
Tavernier showed courage to step up and take the second of the spot-kicks, knowing what the reaction would have been had he missed.
Despite the win, this has to be considered a wake-up call ahead of facing the same opponents in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals next week.
Before then is a league trip to Dundee on Wednesday (1 November), and Clement will not want to rely on penalties to get the job done in that one.
In other Rangers news, a player has shared advice Clement has given him on how to take the next step in his career.