Chris Sutton reacts to Hearts v Rangers controversy in new Sky Sports footage
Philippe Clement’s side might have been let off the hook during Rangers’ 3-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle Park on Sunday.
For the neutral football fan, referee John Beaton’s ability to let the game flow allowed for an entertaining game, with two Jamie McCart own goals sandwiching Vaclav Cerny’s breakaway goal.
Michael Steinwender offered Neil Critchley’s side a much-needed boost with an equaliser four minutes into the second half but quickly went behind again through Cerny’s goal 12 minutes later.
However, some supporters have argued the goal should not have stood after Beaton ignored cries for a penalty at the opposite end.
Clinton Nsiala brings James Wilson down in the penalty area
Clinton Nsiala may have been a lucky boy after a shove in the back of James Wilson was waved away by the referee, and Chris Sutton has now had his say on the incident.
Speaking live via Sky Sports Main Event [16 February, 2:11pm], he said: “There has to be sufficient contact for Wilson to hit the deck. I think he tries to buy that one – it’s not a penalty.
“There’s a bit of a break, Forrester could have reacted quicker, but he doesn’t and the ball ricochets into Cerny’s path. It’s an easy finish for someone of his ability.”
Supporters at Ibrox often feel that officials and VAR can be against the Light Blues, but that was certainly not the case at Tynecastle Park.
Mohamed Diomande was recently shown a straight red card by Nick Walsh during a 3-1 win over Dundee United, a punishment which was eventually rescinded.
Rangers claim important three points versus Hearts
Clement is running out of time to prove himself as the man to lead Rangers forward, and despite three points against Hearts away from Ibrox, it might not be enough for him.
Critchley’s side were hugely unlucky not to walk away with at least a point, putting plenty of pressure on Jack Butland throughout the 90 minutes, and a penalty certainly would have helped.
Watching the Gers’ shot-stopper today, though, he might have even denied them from the spot.
The Light Blues had the perfect opportunity to pick themselves up following the embarrassing defeat to Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup and that is exactly what they got.
The performance, however, was far from convincing.
Cerny’s goal came just at the right moment, sinking Hearts’ confidence before eventually creating a two-goal buffer via a second McCart own goal.
In the end, the result is what matters. But with Clement already under pressure, there will be few away supporters happy with the display, rather more relieved than anything else.