Ex-referee reacts to Oliver Antman controversy footage in Rangers debut v Viktoria Plzen
Oliver Antman was central to the Rangers controversy on his debut as a 3-0 win was secured against Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday.
The Finland international only signed for the Gers on Monday (4 August) but was straight into the side against the Czech outfit at Ibrox on 5 August.
It is fair to say that the 23-year-old impressed, as did many of his teammates, as goals from Djeidi Gassama and Cyriel Dessers secured a huge victory in Govan.
This wasn’t a moment of controversy, however, as the summer recruit caused questions among those watching the clash in G51.
This article contains exclusive comments from Keith Hackett for Ibrox News.
Antman controversy takes centre stage in Plzen victory
After the frustration of the Motherwell draw, it is fair to say that Russell Martin wanted to see more from his players in this European clash.
That is exactly what he got in a hugely positive performance and result, aided by the introduction of the debutant after his move from Go Ahead Eagles.
The Finnish ace was electric down the right and caused a number of problems for Plzen, picking up an assist for Gassama’s second and the Light Blues’ third.
Controversy surrounding Antman came for the second goal of the night as Dessers was afforded the chance to convert from 12 yards.
This came after the winger went down inside the penalty area under seemingly limited contact from the away side’s captain, Matej Vydra, with referee Clément Turpin awarding a spot kick.
Former PGMOL chief, Hackett believes this sort of decision from the match official allows players to go down easily to win soft penalties.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, Hackett said: “The Rangers player felt the slight nudge in the back and took the option of going to ground.
“The Referee bought the act by the player and awarded the penalty kick. Whilst ever Referees award penalty kicks like this, players will continue to go to ground.
“Coaches have got to work with defenders to get them to take care with the use of their arms when going in for these types of challenges.
“That type of contact is avoidable.”
Antman stuns on Rangers debut
Regardless of a potentially lucky penalty decision, the new signing was simply excellent in his maiden voyage at Ibrox.
With himself and Gassama on either flank, the Gers were dynamic and threatening with every attack down either flank.
| Stat | Oliver Antman | Djeidi Gassama |
| Appearances | 36 | 47 |
| Goals | 6 | 8 |
| Assists | 16 | 1 |
This afforded more space for the likes of Dessers and Mohamed Diomande, something which can only be seen as a massive positive.
Moving forward, the Govan faithful will be hopeful of seeing more of the same from Antman after what could be seen as a heroic debut…
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