Rangers: Michael Stewart slams ‘absolute nonsense’ decision in Hibernian clash
Michael Stewart branded the decision to show Hibernian defender Jordan Obita a red card against Rangers as “ludicrous” and an “absolute nonsense”.
Obita had already conceded a first-half penalty in the Scottish Cup fifth-round clash at Easter Road and was dismissed for a second bookable offence when he felled Rabbi Matondo in the second half.
Nathan Moriah-Welsh was sent off minutes later as Hibs finished with nine men and Rangers ran out 2-0 victors to reach the quarter-finals.
But Stewart – speaking on co-commentary for Viaplay – felt referee Steven McLean got the Obita decision wrong.
“The first yellow was silly, I said at the time he didn’t need to make the tackle. That is not a yellow card, that is ludicrous refereeing, an absolute nonsense, certainly from first wide angle,” he said.
Michael Stewart completely wrong in Rangers v Hibernian Jordan Obita take
It was a bit of a wild afternoon for Viaplay co-commentator Stewart it has to be said.
He first of all argued that Obita’s foul on Dujon Sterling in the first half wasn’t a penalty even though there appeared to be clear contact.
Then here he is saying it wasn’t a yellow card even though he clearly clattered Matondo.
He was understandably ridiculed by Rangers supporters on social media because some of the comments he was coming out with were absolutely beyond belief.
The good news is, Stewart’s opinion has no bearing on the game and Rangers booked their place in the last eight of the Scottish Cup, meaning the quadruple dream still lives for Phillipe Clement’s side.
It would obviously need nothing short of a footballing miracle to make that happen but they are well placed in the Scottish Premiership and drew 2-2 at Benfica in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, so the dream lives.
In other Rangers news, Philippe Clement had to take the blame for one thing versus Hibs.
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