Dermot Gallagher reacts to controversial footage in Aberdeen v Rangers
Rangers were handed a lifeline following a controversial decision in their game against Aberdeen on Sunday.
The Gers managed to rescue a point against the Dons with a last-minute equaliser as they came from two goals down to draw 2-2, despite having 10 men for the majority of the game.
It was a frantic match at the Pittodrie Stadium, which Aberdeen seemed destined to take all three points from after the first half.
Leighton Clarkson put Aberdeen ahead in the 31st minute before Ross McCausland was sent off in the 40th minute of the game.
Pape Habib Gueye extended the lead just before the break, and even though Hamza Igamane scored for Rangers in the 49th minute, it seemed like Aberdeen would see the game out.
That was until Ianis Hagi stuck the ball in the back of the net in the 96th minute to steal a point for the Gers.
Gallagher weighs in on Pittodrie controversy
However, Aberdeen were left feeling robbed against Rangers as they did score before Rangers’ dramatic equaliser, which would likely have guaranteed them all three points.
A 3-1 lead would have proved tough to lose, but Kevin Nisbet’s goal ended up being ruled out for a handball, which Dermot Gallagher believes was “desperately unlucky”.
| Match Stats | Aberdeen | Rangers |
| Possession | 57% | 43% |
| Total Shots | 17 | 12 |
| Fouls | 8 | 12 |
| Passes | 451 | 422 |
During an appearance on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch show (14 April, 11:41am), Gallagher reflected on the decision and said that he believes the right call was ultimately made.
He said: “A few years ago when an Arsenal player scored at Burnley and it went in off his arm, everybody was up in arms saying ‘this can’t go on’ and ‘you can’t score like that’.
“Now we have got to the stage where people are saying ‘this wasn’t deliberate, it hit his elbow’ or ‘what else can he do?’
“But that’s the world we live in now. We decided that we not going to give a player a goal if it comes off his arm, that’s it.
“It’s far better [now] than what it was. If it was my arm and bounced down to you and you scored, it was disallowed then.
“I think he’s desperately unlucky because he knows nothing about it but that’s how the directive has been written.
“I think play-on is a good tactic but at what point do you step in or what has got to happen, short of it being a deliberate handball.
“It’s a harsh decision but he has got to do it. Referees don’t always like the rule but they have to apply it.”
Rangers inconsistency continues under Barry Ferguson
It was another unconvincing performance from Rangers as they continue to stutter toward the end of what has been an underwhelming season – domestically, at least.
While they’re still competing in the Europa League, there has been little otherwise for fans to cheer about, and the managerial change hasn’t impacted that.
Barry Ferguson was brought in on what appears to be a temporary basis until the end of the season, but he hasn’t managed to inspire a significant impact at Ibrox.
It’s a worrying situation for the former Gers captain, who is hoping to land the managerial job on a permanent basis at the end of this season amid rumours of Steven Gerrard’s impending return to the club.