Chris Sutton shares ‘Massive’ verdict on Rangers win v Aberdeen at Ibrox
Chris Sutton believes that Rangers’ win on Tuesday 6 February was “massive” but admitted Aberdeen missed out on a potential penalty in a controversial moment.
Rabbi Matondo’s brilliant opener was cancelled out by Bojan Miovski moments before half-time. With 20 minutes left to play, Todd Cantwell looked to have won all three points for the Gers before Dujon Sterling’s late red card put the pressure on them.
The vital victory puts Rangers level on points with Old Firm rivals Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership. However, Sutton believes Aberdeen were unlucky not to be given a spot-kick.
“I think it’s massive. There has been a mentality issue, but you can see with Philippe Clement that the belief is growing stronger and stronger,” he said live on Sky Sports on Tuesday (6 February, 10:10pm).
“And in fairness, Rangers deserved to win the game. They were the dominant team, of course. But the sending-off changed that towards the end.
“Aberdeen possibly should have been awarded a penalty that was missed. But they deserved it, Rangers.”
Huge calls at Ibrox
VAR was quick to check the penalty call at Ibrox, as Connor Goldson appeared to handle the ball in the Rangers penalty area, blocking an Aberdeen shot in the first half.
With the speed of the check, it became very clear that the shout was not deemed enough for a spot-kick, and nor should it have been. In such close proximity, and being tussled for the ball, there is no way Goldson can be punished for the moment that is causing controversy.
The biggest call throughout the game was Sterling’s red card with just two minutes left to play. Having been checked by VAR, and asked Don Robertson to take a second look on the pitchside monitor, the youngster’s accidental slip should have been overturned immediately.
There always seems to be an issue with referees being unable to stick with their initial decisions just because VAR gets involved. This time, Robertson did exactly that but it proved to be the wrong decision as there was clearly no malice or danger in the tackle.
Luckily for Rangers, it had no lasting effect on the game as they saw out the important 2-1 win.
In other Rangers news, Jack Butland has sent a three-word message to one of his teammates after an Ibrox milestone.
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.