Rangers v Queen’s Park controversy: Expert reacts immediately to ‘Careless’ footage
Rangers were right to be awarded a dramatic late spot-kick in their stunning 1-0 defeat to Queen’s Park in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup, Keith Hackett has said.
Philippe Clement’s men were shocked on home soil at Ibrox on Sunday as the Championship side progressed courtesy of Seb Drozd’s second-half winner.
The Gers had Queen’s Park under the cosh in the closing stages and had a glorious chance to take the tie into extra-time when Cyriel Dessers was judged to have barged Cyriel Dessers by referee Calum Scott.
However, more drama was to ensue when the usually reliable skipper James Tavernier saw his spot-kick dramatically saved by brilliant visiting goalkeeper Calum Ferrie.
The awarding of the penalty sparked debate but ex-FIFA referee and former PGMOL chief Hackett says that, while it does look harsh, he can see why Scott gave the penalty to Rangers.
Rangers right to be awarded a penalty v Queens Park
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, he said: “The referee is in a good position to see and judge a push. He does not hesitate to point to the penalty spot.
“Looking at the video it does look harsh based on these types of incidents going unpunished in the English Premier League.
“The referee is able to judge the amount of force applied by the defender whose challenge is careless.
“He will also be looking at a bent arm straightening during the pushing action. Correct decision.”
Time up for Philippe Clement at Rangers?
The penalty decision will be debated but what might be less of a debate is the future of Rangers boss Philippe Clement after this abysmal defeat.
Even had Tavernier managed to level the scores after the contentious decision, you feel like the abject performance would have been enough of a stick to beat him with.
The fact that they managed to lose this game when, realistically, it represented their best remaining chance of silverware this season means the game is surely up.
Managers at Ibrox have been dismissed for much less than this and the clock is surely ticking before the Gers’ hierarchy wields the axe on the 50-year-old.