Keith Hackett responds after Rangers vs Queen’s Park incident baffles
Rangers were awarded a penalty in the first half against Queen’s Park in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup on Sunday.
Ibrox hosted Sean Crighton’s team on 8 February, with the Gers cruising past and annihilating the William Hill Championship club in the 8-0 victory.
Danny Rohl handed Ryan Naderi his full debut, and his goal in the eighth minute opened the floodgates for the Light Blues, with some horrendous defending from the Spiders.
James Tavernier got a hat-trick in the opening 45 minutes, with his third coming from the spot after a handball by Roddy MacGregor.
Callum Davidson has sympathy for Roddy MacGregor after Rangers penalty
Callum Davidson feels a bit for MacGregor after Andreas Skov Olsen’s goal-bound volley hit him on his arm.
The former Scotland international expressed sympathy for the defensive player in such a situation, given the initial proximity of the ball to the player.
After a quick VAR review, the on-field decision stood, and Tavernier stepped up to the spot to beat Calum Ferrie at Ibrox.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound on 8 February, Davidson said, “It doesn’t look like any grievance from the Queen’s Park player in Roddy. I think it’s just hit Roddy in the arm. I don’t think there’s a lot he can do. He’s volleyed it from about a yard away, and sometimes these rules sort of baffle me. I genuinely don’t know what he’s meant to do.”
Andrew Cavenagh backed Rohl in the winter transfer window, and so far, the Glaswegian outfit’s winter investment is paying off.
The emphatic victory at home to Queen’s Park will only give the Light Blues even more confidence and hope as they fight for the William Hill Premiership title.
Keith Hackett backs Ibrox penalty call vs Queen’s Park
Rohl was disgruntled with fans booing at Ibrox against Kilmarnock, but the Gers put on a real show for the supporters this time around.
While Davidson seems to have a slight issue with the penalty decision for Rangers, Keith Hackett believes it was nailed on due to MacGregor being in an unnatural position.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the former PGMOL chief said, “The defender does not have his hand/arm in a natural position and leaves the referee Ross Hardin with little option other than to award a penalty kick.”
In the grand scheme of things, the spot-kick didn’t have a massive impact on Queen’s Park’s prospects as they conceded a handful of goals in a dire display.