Keith Jackson surprised by Rangers controversy vs Dundee United that left commentators astonished
Emmanuel Fernandez was lucky not to concede a penalty as Rangers faced Dundee United in the William Hill Premiership on Wednesday.
With Jim Goodwin’s team 2-1 up on 3 December, Will Ferry’s long-throw into the penalty box struck the centre-back’s arm, but it seems like the officials didn’t think it was an infringement.
Nedim Bajrami eventually saved Danny Rohl’s blushes at Tannadice Park, with the Albania international scoring a stoppage-time penalty to secure a point for the Gers in the 2-2 draw.
Fernandez was similarly lucky against Livingston on 22 November as the Glaswegian outfit won 2-1 at home, with the hosts rightfully aggrieved that they weren’t awarded a penalty for a handball.
Rangers fortunate VAR not all over Emmanuel Fernandez incident vs Dundee United
Keith Jackson was surprised that those at Clydesdale House didn’t advise the referee to have a closer look at Fernandez’s handball against Dundee United.
The commentators covering the game at Tannadice Park were also seemingly astonished that VAR did not scrutinise the incident.
What may have gone for the former Peterborough United defender could’ve been the fact that his hand was moving away from the ball.
Speaking on Hotline Live on 3 December, Jackson said: “There was a decent penalty claim for Dundee United. Fernandez handballs it inside the penalty box. The commentary team watching it were astonished VAR weren’t all over it. I was surprised myself.”
The journalist added: “The one thing you would say for the benefit of the doubt for Fernandez, he has actually tried to move his hand in and away from the ball rather than out and towards it. But in this season, you’ve seen them given.”
Rohl will surely be frustrated that his players didn’t take their chances against Dundee United, with the likes of Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski missing some big opportunities.
Danny Rohl makes two mistakes in draw vs Dundee United
Rohl will certainly be hoping for reinforcements at Ibrox in January, but the German manager isn’t using his current squad to full effect.
Rangers didn’t make a substitute at Tannadice Park until the 77th minute, and even then, the former Sheffield Wednesday boss didn’t bring on Findlay Curtis or Lyall Cameron.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
Chermiti and Thelo Aasgaard have consistently shown they’re unreliable, yet Rohl still seems to have faith in them at Ibrox.
The dropped points against Dundee United are on the German manager, who fails to learn from his mistakes with some of his decisions.
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