Keith Hackett reacts to Rangers controversy in Kilmarnock win
Rangers’ 5-1 win against Kilmarnock on Wednesday was not without controversy.
Danny Rohl made five changes for the Ibrox clash, and they paid off as his side ended up commanding victors on home soil.
The result leaves the Gers just three points behind Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, although Celtic have a game in hand because their clash with Aberdeen was postponed.
Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has reacted to one specific moment from the contest, that caused significant debate.
Hackett speaks out on Rangers controversy
Rangers were awarded a penalty in the fifth minute, as Djeidi Gassama was brought down by Dominic Thompson.
Hackett believes that there is no doubt that the decision to give a spot kick and also hand out a red card were the right ones.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, he said: “The referee has to ask a series of questions on challenges in the penalty area when considering DOGSO (Denial of a goalscoring opportunity).
“Whether the direction of play is fulfilled, that the probability of controlling the ball is not in doubt if the foul had not taken place.
“We are aware of double jeopardy, and the referee must ask himself – did the player who committed the foul make an attempt to play the ball – the answer is no.
“Therefore, the penalty kick and red card are the correct call.”
Why Rangers should be considered favourites for the title
The Gers should be title favourites because they have been almost unstoppable under Rohl, barring a few results.
The German has completely changed the mentality of the side, and that shows in the points total since he took over.
His side have picked up 42 points since he took over as Russell Martin’s successor in October, meanwhile, Hearts have 32 and Celtic have 31 in that period.
| Team | Points since Rohl was appointed |
| Rangers | 42 |
| Hearts | 32 |
| Celtic | 31 |
Rohl has won 13, drawn three and lost just one league game, which gives him a point per game ratio of 2.47.
If that form maintains until the end of the campaign, the Light Blues will likely walk away with the Championship.
Rohl needs to ensure that his side stay focused, and continue playing the way that they have been, and they should eventually be able to pull away from their rivals for the title.