Rangers v Benfica: Pundit reacts to controversy in Europa League clash
Ally McCoist has reacted to the goal that put Benfica in the lead against Rangers after being flagged for offside at Ibrox on 14 March.
Rafa Silva, despite being ahead of the last Gers player, was in his own half for the goal – which meant that he was onside.
Gers paid the price for not keeping a defender at the half-line for the corner.
McCoist, a talkSPORT pundit, told TNT Sports (14 March, 19:10): “I find it incredible the space Rangers are leaving at their own corners.
“This is going to be tight.”
After reviewing the footage, he said: “Rafa Silva takes it well, doesn’t he? The run is timed perfectly. He cuts across Diomande brilliantly and whips it back across himself.
“He gives himself a far better angle, and then executes.”
Rangers pay the price for being naive
VAR is crucial in football as it ensures fair and accurate officiating, reducing the likelihood of incorrect decisions impacting the outcome of matches.
In instances like the goal scored by Silva at Ibrox, where there was uncertainty regarding offside, VAR would have provided a swift and definitive verdict.
While it may have initially seemed that Silva was offside, technology reviewed the footage and correctly determined that he was in his own half, thus onside.
This would have prevented an erroneous decision that ultimately disadvantaged the hosts.
VAR’s implementation enhances the integrity of the game by minimizing human error and ensuring that pivotal moments are decided based on accurate assessments of the action.
Gers have just themselves to blame in what was a poor way to handle the situation and Philippe Clement would’ve been fuming with his players.
In other Rangers news, a major shake-up has been mooted by Gers and Celtic after what happened recently in the transfer market.
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