Kris Boyd explodes at Rangers ‘Disgrace’ v Athletic Bilbao on Sky Sports
Kris Boyd was far from impressed as Rangers fell to defeat against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League on Thursday.
The Gers travelled to Spain on 17 April but were unable to cause an upset at San Mames Barria in a 2-0 defeat thanks to goals from Oihan Sanchet and Nico Williams.
Barry Ferguson’s side did have their opportunities as the game went on, but things could have been so different for the away side.
Boyd was left echoing the frustrations of supporters in Govan on a night which could have gone on to be a famous one for the Light Blues.
Boyd fumes at Cyriel Dessers moment v Athletic Bilbao
There were many key moments in the clash against the Spanish outfit, but there weren’t many bigger than a potential penalty for a foul on Dessers.
The Nigeria international went down after seemingly having his shirt grabbed, but his claims were waved away by referee Irfan Peljto.
On closer inspection, it was clear that Athletic Club defender Vivian had ripped the shirt of the 30-year-old forward with a grab inside the box.
Regardless of this, no spot kick was given as VAR opted to back the decision of the on-field officials in Bilbao.
It is fair to say that this didn’t go down well with former Gers star Boyd as he was left raging by the no penalty call live on Sky Sports News (17 April).
He said: “It’s a disgrace. The three of us have looked and said it’s a stone wall penalty. Cyriel Dessers has had to go off and change his shirt.
“Dessers has turned, the keeper’s coming out, and Vivian has pulled his shirt. It’s ripped across the middle, I can’t believe for the life of me why that hasn’t been given as a penalty kick. It’s a terrible decision.”
Rangers right to rage at Desssers call v Athletic Club
There is little explanation as to how grabbing and ripping the shirt of an opponent inside the box can’t be a penalty in modern football.
Dessers looked set to reach the ball ahead of keeper Julen Agirrezabalaga if he wasn’t halted in his efforts to do so.
If the Nigerian hadn’t had his shirt ripped and had got to the loose ball first, there is every chance he could have opened the scoring.
Instead, he wasn’t afforded that chance, nor was he awarded a penalty before the Gers went on to lose against the Spaniards.
It was an Oihan Sanchet spot kick that opened the scoring, sending Liam Kelly the wrong way, largely summing up the Light Blues’ luck on the night.