VAR got it wrong vs Hearts, ‘Rangers can feel hard done by’ – Keith Hackett
Rangers dropped to 10th in the Scottish Premiership following a 2-0 loss to Hearts at Ibrox.
Rangers conceded two Lawrence Shankland goals, ensuring Hearts left Ibrox with a first win since 2014.
Rangers were lethargic and passive throughout the match, with the loss meaning Russell Martin has edged closer towards the sack.
Hearts ran out deserved winners in the end, however, there was a moment of controversy in the second half that could have changed the game for Rangers.
This article contains exclusive opinion from former Premier League and FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett.
Rangers unlucky to have goal ruled out says Keith Hackett
With the score still 1-0 to Hearts, Rangers thought they had equalised through new signing Derek Cornelius.
Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow failed to deal with a high ball in the goalmouth, and following a scramble, Cornelius prodded home.
However, referee Steven McLean had already blown his whistle as Thelo Aasgaard was adjudged to have impeded Schwolow as he went to challenge for the ball.
- 21st minute: Shankland makes it 1-0 to Hearts
- 67th minute: Cornelius has goal disallowed on his debut following an adjust foul by Aasgaard on Schwolow
- 82nd minute: Shankland misses a penalty but scores the rebound to make it 2-0 to Hearts
Replays show that the contact was incredibly soft, and former Premier League referee Hackett believes Rangers can feel aggrieved that VAR did not intervene.
He told Ibrox News: “Rangers can feel hard done by to have this goal ruled out.
“The goalkeeper flapped at it and can feel very lucky that the referee saw that as a foul.”
Hearts would go on to make it 2-0 and kill off any hope for the Light Blues.
Russell Martin on the brink of Rangers sack
Martin’s sacking now seems inevitable, with most fans believing that time is up for the former Southampton manager.
Despite the unfortunate decision with the disallowed goal, Rangers barely laid a glove on Hearts and struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout the match.
Martin’s handling of Nico Raskin has caused great anger, whilst there seems to be real skepticism over some of the new signings brought under Kevin Thelwell.
Raskin was left out of the squad against Hearts, and Martin was in desperate need of a midfielder of his quality; someone who can break the lines and drive at defences.
| Stat | Martin |
| Games managed | 12 |
| Wins | 3 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Losses | 4 |
| Win percentage | 25 |
Martin’s performance and record as Rangers manager has been nothing short of woeful, and time is starting to run out.
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