Michael Stewart reacts to Rangers controversy live on BBC Sportscene v St Johnstone
Michael Stewart was baffled by referee Matthew MacDermid for not initially awarding Rangers their first penalty in the 3-0 win against St Johnstone.
With Mohammed Diomande’s first-half strike opening the score for the Gers, the match was balanced on a knife-edge before Dujon Sterling was clearly fouled by Andy Considine.
MacDermid was not convinced by the challenge and needed VAR intervention before the spot-kick was eventually awarded, allowing James Tavernier to dispatch his first of two penalties in the victory on Sunday 18 February.
Speaking via BBC Sportscene on Sunday (18 February, 23:15), Stewart said: “I was very surprised that the referee and linesman didn’t point to the penalty spot to begin with.
“It then, obviously, went to VAR, a penalty was given, and it was the right decision. You can see in real-time that it was a stonewall penalty kick.”
Rangers avoid VAR drama to top Scottish Premiership
Despite just being 1-0 up for the majority of the match, Philippe Clement’s side always looked like edging out the victory and claiming all three points. The confidence was there.
However, there is a worry that MacDermid required help from VAR to award the first of the two penalties on the day, with the challenge on Sterling one of the most obvious decisions of the season.
The full-back-turned-midfielder was always getting to the ball first, and Considine knew that, flying in to protect his goal at such a dangerous scoreline.
The correct decision was made in the end, and what an important one it was, as Rangers secured all three points to emerge as Scottish Premiership leaders, using their game in hand to move above Old Firm rivals Celtic.
The Ibrox side are now in full swing, with all the momentum on their side amid an extremely exciting title race in Scotland. Clement has done an incredible job leading Rangers to the top of the table, and he will not want to let it go anytime soon.
In other Rangers news, Chris Sutton sent Celtic a message live on Sky Sports.
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