Rangers: BBC Sportscene pundit speaks out on controversy v Hibernian
Kenny Miller has reacted to Jordan Obita’s sending-off as Hibernian were defeated by Rangers 2-0 in the Scottish Cup quarter-final on Sunday (10 March).
The left-back had already been cautioned by referee Steven McLean before his adjudged elbow on Rabbi Matondo saw him receive his second yellow card of the match, being sent for an early shower.
Hibs would be reduced to nine men against the Gers, with Nathan Moriah-Welsh shown a straight red card three minutes later after a reckless challenge on John Lundstram.
Speaking via BBC Sportscene on Sunday (10 March), Miller said: “On first viewing, I did think it was harsh in isolation, just trying to match the run of Matondo. He first puts his arm up to block Matondo, and I’m fine with that.
“But it’s when he swings his other arm, catching Matondo in the side of the face with his elbow. I think, had it just been the first arm, he wouldn’t have given it. But when he swings the second arm, again I thought it was harsh, watching back I think he’s made the right call.”
Can Rangers complete the Treble under Philippe Clement?
Having lifted the League Cup after a 1-0 victory in the final against Aberdeen in December, the Gers are still in contention to claim two more titles before the end of the season.
Battling Old Firm rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, the league title is very much in Rangers’ hands, with an upcoming second leg against Benfica still to come in the Europa League.
Considering their busy schedule, and the injury luck at Ibrox this season, Clement has every right to be furious with Hibernian’s actions during the Scottish Cup clash, posing a lot of danger to his players.
Though Moriah-Welsh’s challenge on John Lundstram was far more reckless, Obita can have no complaints about the decision to send him off after making contact with Matondo’s face.
There is absolutely no need to lift his arms so high, even if trying to block the run of a pacey winger. Fabio Silva would eventually kill the tie off, smashing home a brilliant solo effort to double Rangers’ lead.
In other Rangers news, Kenny Dalglish has been impressed by one Gers player in particular.
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