Ally McCoist left frustrated by Ibrox controversy in Rangers vs Braga – ‘Definitely’
Rangers may have taken the lead against Braga, but the clash hasn’t been without controversy.
James Tavernier could sign a new deal at Rangers in the coming weeks and has once again had a telling impact at Ibrox.
Tavernier also netted against Dundee just two weeks ago as he continues to make a difference under Danny Rohl for the Light Blues.
The Englishman netted a penalty in the first half to put the home side 1-0 up after Jack Butland kept Rangers in it against Braga.
Tavenier has made it 1-0, but Ally McCoist still wasn’t shy in voicing his frustration with a first-half decision in Govan.
Ally McCoist wanted penalty on Djeidi Gassama vs Braga
A turbulent few days in G51 saw Kevin Thelwell and Patrick Stewart leave Rangers in yet another change in the boardroom.
That looked to have had an impact on the players in the opening exchanges as Braga had the better of play at Ibrox.
If not for Butland, the Portuguese outfit would have likely taken the lead and secured control of the Europa League clash.
Things changed when Tavernier netted his penalty after a handball by Fran Navarro was spotted by VAR, but the Gers arguably deserved a spot kick earlier on.
Djeidi Gassama was brought down by a clumsy challenge, but referee Allard Lindhout was unmoved.
McCoist felt isolated live via TNT Sports on 27 November as he was left frustrated by the lack of action from VAR.
He said: “You know something, he slips, and I think he fouls him, you know. I think he definitely slips, there’s the foul. Yep, it’s a shove.
“I definitely think he loses the ball, the defender, and he shoves Gassama. Sadly, it looks like I’m the only one who thinks that. I think he loses his footing and inadvertently pushes Gassama.“
Gassama and Rangers should have been awarded penalty vs Braga
McCoist may have been on his own in calling out a potential foul against the winger, but on second view, it looks as if he has a point.
Gassama was pushed while in the air and was stopped from getting to the ball inside the Braga penalty area.
Given the nature of VAR, once the on-field official had opted not to make a decision, the video assistant was unlikely to change the call.
Rangers will now hope that this call doesn’t come back to bite them as they go in search of a much-needed European win.
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