Rangers: BBC Sportscene pundit fumes over ‘dangerous’ controversy v Hibernian
Stuart Lovell has delivered his verdict on Nathan Moriah-Welsh’s straight red card as Rangers advanced to the Scottish Cup semi-final with a 2-0 win over Hibernian on Sunday (10 March).
The midfielder’s challenge on John Lundstram saw Nick Montgomery’s side reduced to nine men, with Jordan Abita receiving his second yellow card just three minutes prior.
Despite arguing his case against the decision, Lovell stated that the foul met enough of the criteria for referee Steven McLean to brandish a red card.
Speaking via BBC’s Sportscene on Sunday (10 March), the former Livingston captain said: “I don’t understand. I don’t understand the tackle. He goes in there at some amount of pace, it’s a lunge, and he’s never getting the ball.
“He [Montgomery] says that there was limited contact on John Lundstram but that meets pretty much all the requirements for a red card for serious foul play. He’s lunging, out of control, at speed, and two-footed.
“The only question you can ask is, does it endanger the safety of his opponent? Maybe because he hasn’t actually caught him with his feet is the only question mark, but it hasn’t got to be all of the above, just some of the above.
“I was in the stadium and there was a gasp from a lot of people around me, like ‘Wow – what was he thinking?’. It was worse than reckless; it was a dangerous challenge.
Rangers advance to Scottish Cup semi-final after Hibernian victory
Philippe Clement has taken one step closer to claiming a famous treble in his first season at Ibrox, having taken over from Michael Beale in October.
It has been an incredible turnaround under the Belgian manager, with the Gers losing just two matches since his appointment, lifting the Viaplay Cup, with the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and Europa League titles still to play for.
Considering Rangers’ current luck with injuries, Clement was fortunate not to lose Lundstram after the challenge. Of course, he will argue his case, but Moriah-Welsh should have no complaints after watching the foul back.
There were absolutely no doubts from the referee over the challenge, and rightly so. It is extremely difficult to argue against the decision, though the Hibernian fans will try their best to.
Lundstram is a key part of Clement’s squad, scoring the opener after following in James Tavernier’s missed penalty in the first half, helping claim yet another win.
In other Rangers news, Philippe Clement must take his share of the blame for what happened in the first half against Hibernian.
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