Djedi Gassama guilty of simulation in Rangers vs Roma, Morten Krogh should have stopped it
Rangers crashed to yet another Europa League defeat against Roma on Thursday.
Rangers lost 2-0 to AS Roma at Ibrox on 6 November, with goals from Matias Soule and Lorenzo Pellegrini all that was needed in the first half.
Danny Rohl was left pulling his hair out at times, with a lacklustre attacking display, complemented by some comedy defending at times in Govan.
Djedi Gassama was far from happy to be taken off early in the defeat after coming back in to start, but the ex-Sheffield Wednesday star appeared lucky to avoid punishment beforehand.
Djedi Gassama in diving saga vs Roma
It wasn’t just once that Gassama went down too easily, with groans starting to be heard from the stands in the first half alone.
In one instance, the French winger looked to be fouled but decided to stay on his feet, only to go down too easily only seconds later, with Morten Krogh waving away his complaints.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News after watching replays, Keith Hackett did feel sorry for the Rangers attacker, who should have been awarded a free-kick for the first grappling.
The ex-FIFA-listed official did, however, admit that the second phase was simulation from Gassama, with frustration taking over in the end.
“I sense the frustration of the player who, whilst dribbling the ball, he is clearly being held,” Hackett said.
“The referee at that point should blow the whistle and award a free kick.
“He does nothing, and play continues until Gassama goes to ground far too easily in the hope that he gets a free kick. He simulates with exaggeration to try to win a free kick.”
What has happened to Djedi Gassama?
After four goals in his first four games for Rangers, his form has fallen off a cliff.
Gassama has only delivered two goal involvements since 5 August, and is yet to find the back of the net in the Scottish Premiership, which simply needs to change.
With Dundee and Livingston next up, either side of the international break, that is the perfect time to let his football do the talking, rather than these antics.
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