Michael Stewart in complete disbelief over what’s been said about Rangers – ‘It’s embarrassing’
Michael Stewart couldn’t believe that Motherwell weren’t awarded a penalty late on in their 1-0 defeat to Rangers.
Thelo Aasgaard’s second-half goal won it for Danny Rohl’s side, but controversy ensued in the dying moments of the match.
Lukas Fadinger found his way into the Rangers box and appeared to be tripped by Emmanuel Fernandez in second-half stoppage time.
However, referee David Dickinson did not give a penalty for the challenge, leaving Stewart among those incensed with another poor refereeing call in the Scottish Premiership.
Michael Stewart slams David Dickinson for Rangers decision
Rangers face St. Mirren on Tuesday, although Stewart still can’t wrap his head around what happened on Saturday.
Speaking on the Scottish Social Football Club podcast on 29 December, he made it clear that Fernandez clearly tripped Fadinger and slammed anyone trying to make excuses for the decision.
He said: “It’s an embarrassing decision, it’s a howler from VAR. If you look at Findlay Curtis and Lyall Cameron, the two of them turn and put their hands on their head. It’s clearly a penalty.
“Some people have said he’s initiated contact; it’s utter gibberish. People are doing mental gymnastics to try to back up a position that they’ve taken.”
Stewart has already voiced his anger towards referees and some of the decisions they have made this season.
Clearly, Rangers have gotten away with one, and their good fortune has come at such an important time in their season.
Rangers’ 2-1 loss to Hearts on 21 December means they had to beat Motherwell at Ibrox by any means possible, and they just about achieved it.
Rangers need to take all the luck they can from referees
The Bears have found themselves incredibly unlucky in certain parts of the campaign due to poor officiating.
Austin Trusty wasn’t shown a red card for kicking Jack Butland in the head during the last Old Firm derby in November, which contributed to Rangers’ elimination from the Premier Sports Cup.
In the league, Lawrence Shankland went unpunished for a handball in the build-up to his first goal in Hearts’ 2-0 win at Ibrox on 13 September.
On Saturday, a decision clearly went in their favour, and Rohl’s side will welcome it, given their previous misfortune.
With two tough games against Celtic and St. Mirren on the horizon, Rangers fans definitely won’t be complaining if they can be helped out by the referees as they continue their unlikely title charge.
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