Ex-FIFA referee speaks out as Rangers at centre of fixture shift
Rangers moved into the next round of Champions League qualifying after a 1-1 draw away against Panathinaikos ensured a 3-1 on aggregate for the Light Blues.
Jack Butland was just as, if not more, outstanding than he was in the first leg at Ibrox, with the English shot-stopper making several crucial saves.
Djeidi Gassama influenced the game again from the bench, with the 21-year-old’s equaliser securing Rangers’ place in the third round against Czech side, Viktoria Plzen.
Plzen recently got one of their league matches postponed, which was due to take place on Saturday (2 August), to give them more time to prepare for the clash against Rangers on 5 August.
Ibrox News presents the exclusive opinion of former Premier League and FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett.
Keith Hackett ‘sympathises’ with Plzen as postponement announced
Despite their success against Panathinaikos, Russell Martin’s tactics were called into question by some onlookers.
Nevertheless, Gers advanced in Europe and are now just a few games away from qualifying for the Champions League properly, with the next round against Viktoria Plzen coming before a potential play-off fixture to finally reach the group stage.
The fixture against the Czech outfit has just got harder for Martin’s side, with Viktoria Plzen being afforded the luxury of a few more days’ rest whilst Rangers still have to take on Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday (2 August).
It has been confirmed Plzen’s weekend league games is off, coming after their manager launched a rant after the win against Servette bemoaning the lack of time to prepare.
Hackett gave his thoughts on the situation by exclusively telling Ibrox News: “The dates for Champions League qualifying are set.
“Usually, clubs attend the draw and make the arrangements immediately afterwards.“
The former referee continued: “In several countries, they will cancel their domestic games to give their clubs involved in UEFA games a better opportunity to advance.
“I sympathise, but it is usually British clubs that have to accommodate the small number of days before each game.”
Martin will be furious after the postponement announcement
With such a lucrative prize on the line, with potential Champions League qualification at stake, Martin will be frustrated that his opponents seemingly have an advantage.
Days’ rest before the Rangers v Viktoria Plzen clash at Ibrox:
- Rangers – 2 days
- Viktoria Plzen – 5 days
To level the playing field, Martin will be hoping to have secured the signing of Mikey Moore on Tottenham Hotspur on loan, with the youngster potentially being a difference maker in the tie.
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