Rangers: Sportscene pundit reacts to controversial incident v Dumbarton as BBC Scotland air footage
Sportscene pundit Stuart Lovell has reacted to the penalty given to Rangers in their Scottish Cup victory against Dumbarton.
Right-back James Tavernier scored from the spot after winger Rabbi Matondo went down in the box in the fourth round win.
John Lundstram, Cyriel Dessers and Scott Wright were also on target in the 4-1 away victory on Saturday (20 January).
“No penalty for me,” Lovell said on Sportscene on BBC Scotland (20 January). “The contact was minimal, not enough to put him down. Who knows what VAR would have done if they had been there, but we don’t need to worry about it.”
Also sharing his opinion was Neil McCann, who said: “I think there is contact on Rabbi’s foot there. Is it enough to put him down? I’m not so sure.
“He maybe feels he’s going to run that out of play, but I liked the direct nature of his game today, he got the ball and went at people, and you’re always going to draw things when you’re going into the box.”
Routine
It was a routine win for Rangers against lower-level opposition, although the visitors were certainly tested by the rough conditions in Dumbarton.
The wind and rain provided a great introduction to the Scottish Cup for Gers manager Philippe Clement, who picked his team wisely in order to avoid an upset.
The visiting boss certainly opted for a strong XI, but it took over half an hour for the travelling side to break the deadlock through Lundstram.
Dessers added a second shortly after, with Tavernier and Wright scoring late on to secure the victory, although Matthew Shiels did net a consolation goal for the hosts.
It certainly gave the home supporters something to cheer about, but Clement will have been angered at his team’s inability to keep a clean sheet.
That can perhaps be his only complaint in an otherwise professional display from the Gers, particularly given the circumstances of the weather and the pitch.
In other Rangers news, the Gers have made an approach for a new striker, with the player now ready to perform.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.