Rangers Exclusive: Expert ‘Shocked’ after VAR controversy v Dundee United
Keith Hackett admits it was a surprise that Nick Walsh stuck with his red card for Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande against Dundee United.
The Ivorian opened the scoring in the 3-1 win at Tannadice on 26 January but was sent off in the final minutes for an apparent slap on Kevin Holt.
Despite being recommended by VAR to review the decision after what appeared to be zero contact, Walsh did not overturn the decision.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the ex-FIFA referee admitted that the decision should have been downgraded to a yellow card with no violent conduct spotted.
“I am surprised that a red card was issued to the Rangers player,” Hackett said.
“The VAR rightly intervened after viewing that the referee in a clash had pulled out both coloured cards at the same time.
Rangers shock emerges after controversy
“He then showed the yellow to the home team player and the red to the Rangers player.
“For me, VAR rightly intervened.
“I do not believe that the Rangers player was guilty of violent conduct. The referee should have overturned his decision and issued a yellow.”
Philippe Clement could not believe his eyes as Walsh returned from the VAR screen to stick with his original decision.
Diomande did very little wrong, and even if he did put his hand out, it was likely to get away from the contact of the defender, who overreacted likely to get a decision.
If not appealed or unsuccessful on that front, the midfielder will miss games against the likes of Ross County and Hearts.
In other Rangers news, the reasoning behind Ridvan Yilmaz’s absence from the squad against Dundee United has been shared.
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