Rangers: Andy Halliday reacts to ‘madness’ in Scottish Cup win v Hibernian at Easter Road
Andy Halliday insists referee Steven McLean was justified in sending off two Hibernian players in the Scottish Cup tie with Rangers.
Jordan Obita gave away a first-half penalty and was later issued a second yellow card, while Nathan Moriah-Welsh was shown a straight red.
Moriah-Welsh’s dismissal came after a reckless challenge on John Lundstram, but not everyone agreed with the referee’s decisions.
Viaplay pundit Michael Stewart argued Rangers should not have been awarded a penalty, and Moriah-Welsh should not have been sent off.
However, speaking on Clyde1 Superscoreboard [11 March], Halliday said: “I think the referee got every single decision right.
“The only one you can slightly debate is Moriah-Welsh’s red card. But Jordan Obita can have no complaints over the penalty – it was nailed on.
“The way Moriah-Welsh went into the tackle, I thought it was madness.”
Rangers through to Scottish Cup semi-finals
Moriah-Welsh may not have broken Lundstram’s ankle, but that should not spare him a red card.
The referee was correct to send off the Hibs man, as he was in terms of the Obita penalty decision and sending off.
Hibs imploded on home soil, frustrated by the fact that they just could not get going against their opponents.
Rangers still had to keep their cool against the nine men and found a second goal through Fabio Silva, adding to star man Lundstram‘s opener.
Quite why Stewart on commentary disagreed with so many of the decisions that went Rangers’ way was bizarre.
Indeed, others have called out the pundit for his comments. As Halliday says, there can be no real complaints from Hibs’ perspective.
As far as Rangers are concerned, it was a case of job done as they march on towards another piece of silverware.
In other Rangers news, an update has been shared on Dujon Sterling ahead of the Europa League tie with Benfica.
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