Jack Butland stuns Four Lads v St Mirren despite anger at ‘farcical’ incident
Stevie Clifford, host of the Four Lads Had A Dream Rangers podcast, has heaped praise on Jack Butland for his performance against St Mirren despite a “farcical” decision.
Butland was labelled “sensational” among plenty of high praise for his performances throughout the season as he also picked up the club’s Player of the Year award.
The keeper was booked late in the game after coming to clear the ball as referee Nick Walsh deemed he had fouled his opponent – something Clifford has labelled as “nonsense”.
Speaking on The Rangers Review [29 April], Clifford gushed: “Jack Butland has been sensational for Rangers. The fact that he’s on the verge of an England call-up or certainly in amongst it, I think, speaks volumes of how well he has played.
“Jack’s been incredible. All-round I think he’s been excellent for us. He’s had so many game-changing moments for us and we wouldn’t be in this title race if not for him.
“As for the booking, I think it was farcical, that’s the honest truth. I think the boy runs into him. How Nick Walsh came to that decision, I think he’s guessing. It was nonsense. These are huge moments. It was a very disappointing decision.”
Four Lads fume at Nick Walsh amid Jack Butland praise at Rangers
Butland has so often been the man of the moment for Rangers even when they have been frustrated by poor performances, with the goalkeeper usually the one to step up and be counted even if his teammates are struggling.
This was the case against St Mirren as he kept his side in the game for long stretches with some excellent saves despite what was an overall poor performance from his teammates.
The same was the case when Clement’s side fell to a 3-2 defeat against Ross County recently, with Butland making several important saves to keep his side in it, drawing high praise from Ibrox legend Ally McCoist.
As far as the refereeing decision goes, it is not the first, nor will it be the last call to go against the Ibrox club this season, with plenty of controversy surrounding SPFL officials, but the inconsistency of their decisions cannot be changed now.
In other Rangers news, Fabio Silva was labelled “embarrassing” yet again v St Mirren.
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