Steven Naismith instantly reacts to Rangers vs Kilmarnock controversy after what he saw Djeidi Gassama do
Rangers lead 10-man Kilmarnock by a goal to nil at half-time on Wednesday night.
Danny Rohl‘s side are looking to close the gap to Premiership leaders Hearts to three points on Wednesday night.
Rangers drew 0-0 with Hibernian last time out, as the Gers have just lost momentum slightly with no wins in their last two games in all competitions.
New signing Ryan Naderi is on the bench for Rangers, as the striker was introduced to the Ibrox faithful ahead of kick-off.
Steven Naismith reacts to Djeidi Gassama penalty decision
Rangers were gifted the ideal start to their clash with Kilmarnock, as the away side found themselves down to 10 just four minutes into the game.
Dominic Thompson was adjudged to have fouled Djeidi Gassama after a ball played in behind caught the Killie defender out, before he grabbed hold of Gassama and brought him down inside the box.
James Tavernier stepped up from the penalty spot and fired past Kelle Roos, who did dive the right way, to give Rangers a 1-0 lead with five minutes on the clock.
It will be a decision from referee David Dickinson that will split opinion among supporters, but one person who is convinced the right decisions were made is former Rangers star Steven Naismith.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound via BBC Sport‘s live text commentary of the match, Naismith believes the referee was given no choice but to brandish a red card.
“Thompson unintentionally cleans him out, but Gassama’s just about to get a shot away from seven or right yards so it’s always going to be a red,” he said.
Rangers must pour on punishment against in second half
With Kilmarnock down to 10 men, this is a prime opportunity for Rangers to eat into Hearts’ goal difference lead in the second 45.
The leaders currently have a plus six difference ahead of Rangers, which is effectively worth another point so long as that gap remains the same.
However, Rohl’s side now have a golden opportunity to really close that gap, and make it a factor in the title race no longer.
This could also provide the perfect chance for Rohl to bleed some of his new signings from the bench, with Andreas Skov Olsen, Tuur Rommens, Tochi Chukwuani and Naderi all sitting in the dugout.
Games of football can sometimes peter out when one side has a numerical advantage, but bringing on some new signings that are hungry to make an impression should ensure Rangers keep their foot on the throttle.