Hackett reacts after ‘illegal’ incident in Rangers win v Panathinaikos – Exclusive
This article includes exclusive comments from former Premier League and FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett.
Rangers picked up a vital win against Panathinaikos at Ibrox in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier on Tuesday.
Goals from Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama were enough to fire Rangers to a 2-0 win in Russell Martin’s first competitive game in charge.
Just six minutes after Curtis’ opener in the 52nd minute, Panathinaikos full-back Giorgos Vagiannidis brought down the youngster and was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Hackett was happy with the decision after rewatching footage.
Referee praised after correct decision to dismiss Vagiannidis
The job is not finished yet for Martin’s side, with the return leg in Greece set to take place on 30 July.
Given the style of football Martin is attempting to implement at Ibrox, it will be interesting to see how the English manager sets his side up away from home when defending a lead.
Panathinaikos will be without Vagiannidis as they attempt to overturn this two-goal deficit, with Hackett insisting the decision to dismiss the Greek defender for a second bookable offence was correct.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the ex-FIFA official said: “He has clearly fouled his opponent using his hands/arms in an illegal manner, stopping a promising attack.
“A yellow card offence, and the referee was correct to dismiss after the player had committed a second yellow card offence.
“I do feel that when a player receives a yellow card, his manager should consider the temperament of the player and if he should substitute to avoid a second yellow followed by a red.“
Fantastic start to Martin’s reign at Ibrox
Following rumours that Jack Butland’s time at Gers could be over, the shotstopper responded emphatically and was back to his best.
With Martin now seemingly able to trust the 32-year-old going forward, he can focus on recruiting in other areas before the transfer window slams shut.
With Danilo having a relatively quiet game up front, Martin may have more urgency to push through a move for Jamie Vardy to be his new striker and help this positive start in Glasgow continue.
With a two-goal cushion, you would back Gers to see the job out when they travel to Greece for the second leg, especially with Vagiannidis now sidelined.
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