Credit: Imago

Derek Ferguson

Sat 12 April 2025 18:40, UK

Rangers produced a strong defensive showing to ensure their Europa League hopes remain intact heading into their second leg with Athletic Bilbao.

Robin Propper’s early red card at Ibrox left the Gers with it all to do, but they held on for a creditable 0-0 draw on Thursday (10 April).

That is despite referee Istvan Kovacs awarding Athletic a penalty for an alleged handball against Dujon Sterling.

Alex Berenguer saw the resulting spot-kick saved by Liam Kelly, meaning no real harm was done, but the referee at the centre of the drama could now be in trouble.

Derek Ferguson unhappy with major Rangers v Athletic Bilbao call

In the view of Derek Ferguson, the brother of interim manager Barry Ferguson, Kovacs should not have pointed to the spot and it is something that could be looked into.

“It was never a penalty. A lot of these decisions have not been given as a penalty in recent times,” Ferguson exclusively told Ibrox News.

“Sterling is in a tussle with a player and there is no way he is using his arm to get an advantage in that situation. It strikes his arm but it’s never a penalty.

“The galling thing is that it goes to VAR and they decide it’s a penalty. I think the referee could be in trouble because similar decisions of late have not been given as a penalty.

“Thankfully the penalty was saved and that ignited the whole stadium. They should use this as an example of what’s not a penalty.”

Rangers’ Europa League dreams intact

Heading to San Mames a goal behind would have left Rangers with a massive mountain to climb, but the scoreline being 0-0 means it is all to play for.

Barry Ferguson‘s immediate focus will be on the Scottish Premiership clash with Aberdeen on Sunday (12 April), but there is no question what fixture the supporters are thinking of.

Rangers are still very much underdogs, but as showed on the run to the final in 2022, anything can happen.