Mike Dean reacts instantly to Motherwell v Rangers controversy live on air

Mike Dean has shut down claims that Motherwell's opening goal should have been ruled out against Rangers on Sunday.

Apostolos Stamatelopoulos gave the home side the lead at Fir Park on 29 December, a goal which was greeted by handball claims after Robin Propper's header was blocked by the striker.

While the ball did make contact with the Australian forward's arm, yet another controversial moment involving the Gers saw the ball drop to Tawanda Maswanhise, who fed the ball through to set up the first-half goal.

Speaking live via Sky Sports News [29 December, 3:24pm], Dean said: "The ball's been headed against the Motherwell player, who's two yards away while his arm is tucked in, and the ball breaks to two other players.

"It's another phase of play so it is just play-on. He hasn't scored directly from the handball so play-on."

Motherwell v Rangers shrouded in controversy after early incident

The rules seem very clear on why the goal was given, even after a VAR check, so all eyes must now be on Gers' defender Propper, who no longer has a leg to stand on.

He has seriously struggled to adapt to life in Scotland since his move from FC Twente last summer, with Dujon Sterling even preferred to partner Leon Balogun than the Dutchman.

However, with the veteran centre-back now joining John Souttar in the treatment room, Philippe Clement has been left with no other choice but to start the liability in defence.

The Light Blues have experienced a rich vein of form recently, with the Scottish League Cup final defeat not enough to get supporters down, but the manager is now under major pressure once again.

Until Propper can be taken out of the starting XI, and some wishing for him to be sold, the Belgian could come under further pressure as he attempts to build at Ibrox.

In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson has backed one player to "come back stronger" after what happened recently.

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