Keith Hackett reacts to ‘reckless’ Rangers vs Hearts controversy – ‘That’s a myth’
Rangers’ clash with Hearts was subject to early controversy on Sunday.
Danny Rohl‘s side were looking to close the gap on the Scottish Premiership leaders to two points at Ibrox on 15 February.
Tensions were high when Eduardo Ageu overran the ball and caught Nicolas Raskin with a late lunge, which earned him a yellow card just three minutes into the contest.
Ex-FIFA-listed official Keith Hackett believes that it was the right punishment, even with the stakes being so high, and hit out at a certain element of the decision.
What did Hackett say about Ageu incident vs Rangers?
Hackett is not happy with the notion that the fact that it was so early may have saved Ageu, who was making his first start for the Edinburgh club, from a dismissal.
He claims that it does not matter what time it is in a match, as that does not determine whether a player is sent off or not.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, he said: “He has gone in feet first but low down, this in my opinion, should have been sanctioned with a yellow card for the reckless challenge.
“Time does not matter, that’s a myth, it is reckless and hence the yellow card.
“The law states that reckless is when a player acts with disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, an opponent and must be cautioned.”
Why Rangers need a significant turnaround
Derek McInnes‘ side started better, taking an early lead through Marc Leonard, as the Gers were sloppy at the back in the early stages.
However, Ryan Naderi forced Michael Steinwender to hit the ball into his own net after a scramble in the area, to bring the Light Blues level in the 19th minute of the contest.
Claudio Braga put the visitors back ahead as the game edged towards the half-hour mark, with a looping header that left Jack Butland in no man’s land.
Youssef Chermiti levelled proceedings again as he smashed the ball past Alexander Schwolow in the 39th minute, in another twist.
The Gers need to take all three points if they are to have the best chance to take the title, so they need to get another in the second half.
If they fail to do so, their dreams of lifting the Championship in May could well be damaged, with McInnes’ side sitting five points clear at the moment.
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