Romania media react to yet another Ianis Hagi controversy at Rangers
Romanian media outlets have offered their opinions after Ianis Hagi was sent off during Rangers’ 2-0 win over St Johnstone on Sunday (6 October).
The 25-year-old has been an outcast from Philippe Clement’s squad since returning from his loan spell at Deportivo Alaves, with the player in dispute with the club over his contract situation.
With Hagi close to triggering a wage increase with a certain number of appearances [Daily Record], the Gers had chosen not to play him until the situation was resolved – it now appears to be.
Making his first appearance for the Gers since August 2023, the Romanian assisted Vaclav Cerny’s second goal of the evening before being sent off following a VAR review.
Reacting to the moment, ProSport handed him a 6.5 rating [7 October], writing: “Ianis Hagi was an angel and a demon for Rangers. The Romanian midfielder entered the field at the start of the second half and initially made the difference on the scoreboard with an assist
“But later, in the 81st minute, he received a red card directly for a late tackle on an opponent.
ProSport also described the player’s cameo as a “nightmare”, suggesting his return to the team had “good parts” and a “very bad one”.
Digisport commented on Hagi’s display, writing: “In the 79th minute, Ianis Hagi was again the protagonist, but not positive. The attacking midfielder was sent off for a hard foul, with his sole on his ankle.”
Ianis Hagi unlucky in controversy in Rangers v St Johnstone
Having assisted Cerny’s second goal at Ibrox, Hagi will have just been overexcited to be back on the pitch, alongside some of his old teammates.
Hagi is hardly a malicious player, having only picked up 11 yellow cards during his time in Scotland and never receiving a red card in his senior career, at least until now.
There is no doubt that it was a high tackle on Benjamin Kimpioka, and so many will argue a red card was fully deserved, but there was never any intent from the midfielder.
Clement will now have to be without the 25-year-old despite him only just returning to the squad, which is a huge blow for all parties in this situation.
The season is a very long one so Hagi will be given plenty of opportunities to earn his spot in the starting XI, but this will be seen as a new setback for the player after receiving a straight red card.
In other Rangers news, Keith Jackson believes Philippe Clement may have made a statement about one of his stars, who needs to be axed.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.