Chris Sutton has been a vocal critic of Rangers.
Chris Sutton has been a vocal critic of Rangers.

Chris Sutton shares 'Massive' verdict on Rangers win v Aberdeen at Ibrox

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on

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.

rangers
Rangers fans cheering the team on at Ibrox.

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.

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.

Ibrox News
www.ibroxnews.com