Jeff Stelling reacts to ‘diabolical’ Ally McCoist verdict on Rangers controversy
Mohamed Diomande’s controversial late red card “doesn’t matter” because Rangers beat Dundee United 3-1 at Tannadice, Jeff Stelling has said.
Speaking on talkSPORT (27 January, 7:56am), Ally McCoist was enraged by the “diabolical” decision to show a straight red card for an alleged slap, despite zero contact being made on 26 January.
Diomande’s confrontation with Tangerines player Kevin Holt was reviewed by VAR after referee Nick Walsh brandished the red card, with McCoist left in disbelief that the decision wasn’t overturned.
“It is an absolutely diabolical decision, and that red card must get overturned, absolutely must”, he said.
“Anybody that knows the game, knows that he’s been shoved – he’s off balance, his hand comes up, I don’t even know if it touches his face.
“Then the referee actually goes over and looks at it, and I don’t know whether it’s his ego won’t allow him to say he’s made a mistake, but come on – have a word with yourself, man.”
Stelling: “You won Coisty, it doesn’t matter in the end.”
Rangers rightly fuming after Mohamed Diomande controversy
Losing one of their most influential players in the form of Diomande – who had scored the equalising goal at Tannadice – in the fifth minute of injury time, will be a real kick in the teeth for anyone in light blue.
Sam Dalby’s opener for the hosts looked to have started another familiar story for the Gers away from Ibrox, but Diomande sparked a revival which led to only their second league win on the road this term.
However, potentially losing the Ivorian for the next three games – for an incident which was something of nothing at best – could be a bitter blow for the Bears, given how well Diomande has been playing.
The 23-year-old has firmly established himself alongside Nico Raskin in Philippe Clement’s double pivot, and shown a playmaking touch when getting forward from midfield or starting in a number 10 role.
It’ll be just as “diabolical” if the Gers’ appeal on Walsh’s decision – which is surely in the post – isn’t successful, but if that proves to be the case, whoever replaces Diomande will have big shoes to fill.
In other Rangers news, teams on the continent are also lining up bids to sign another out-of-favour forward player at Ibrox.
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