Rangers: Michael Stewart explodes at Rangers vs Hibs VAR controversy at Ibrox on BBC Sportsound
Michael Stewart was furious at the “absolute nonsense” VAR controversy in the first half between Rangers and Hibs at Ibrox.
The BBC Sportsound pundit reacted live as David Dickinson awarded the Gers a penalty after consulting the monitor, for a swinging arm to the face of John Souttar from Nectarios Triantis in the 20th minute, and then again after Scott Wright’s goal, slammed in on the rebound after David Marshall saved from James Tavernier, was ruled out for encroachment by VAR.
The captain smashed Rangers ahead shortly after but the whole controversy prior left Stewart insisting the video assistant should be scrapped or everyone should “give up”.
Stewart said (3.20pm): “That’s a nonsense because, okay there’s a collision and a coming together, but that is not a penalty kick. Really if you’re giving penalty kicks for that give up. Give up, seriously.
“The ball’s gone over his head, he’s backtracking, he’s jumping up to try and header it and he’s getting booked and he’s getting a penalty given against him. That is an absolute nonsense.
“The thing is, you have to understand that if you’re playing a game of football there is an element of risk where you’re going to have accidents and people are going to get hurt. It doesn’t have to be a foul or somebody have to be blamed for anything…
“There’s no doubt that John Souttar has been caught there, but what is Triantis meant to do there? I mean seriously, can somebody explain to me?”
After the goal was later brought back and disallowed he was even more insenced, adding: “Get rid of VAR, get rid of it, honestly… It’s a nonsense decision in the first place and it’s a nonsense decision that’s followed it up.”
Fury at VAR as Rangers benefit then victim at Ibrox
This game was always going to be a crucial one after a series of interruptions leading up to it, including the Scottish Cup and Europa League commitments, the Dundee debacle and then the international break.
With the Old Firm derby against Celtic a week away and the rearranged trip to Dens Park midweek after that it is a huge triple-header for Clement to navigate his side through.
Injury issues are ever-present but there have at least been some positive developments on that front, suggesting the strength of the squad will be improved for the run-in.
But whoever is available ultimately makes no difference to the objective, which is to keep churning out results however necessary.
The form against Hibs this season has been excellent, as it has been largely for the past few seasons, but they remain a dangerous outfit on their day.
So, the VAR back-and-forth aside Clement will be pleased to have seen his side in the ascendency in the first half, and a goal hammered home by his skipper despite seeing his spot kick saved and his side have one chopped off.
Throwing the advantage away before the break was an unnecessary mess but Cyriel Dessers wrestling the lead back just before the half-time whistle could prove to be crucial, but there’s plenty of work still to do.
In other Rangers news, a definite answer has finally emerged on the future of an exit-linked key Ibrox man.
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