Ex-FIFA referee reacts to Don Robertson incident in Rangers loss vs Hibernian

Don Robertson caused significant controversy in Rangers' 2-1 loss with Hibernian on Sunday.

The Gers were looking for a first Scottish Premiership win of the campaign, but they found themselves 1-0 down after 12 minutes.

Vanja Dragojevic was deemed to have pulled down Jason Kerr in the penalty area and was given a booking for his troubles, after a VAR review.

Josh Campbell stepped up and converted past Ivor Pandur to hand the visitors the lead.

Derek McInnes' side had levelled through a Miguel Chaiwa own goal but Callum Wright struck a late winner.

Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett has now hit out over the first-half incident that may have changed the game.

What did Keith Hackett say about penalty incident in Rangers' loss to Hibernian?

The former Premier League officials believes that it is not clear who is holding who, and the decision could have went the other way.

Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, he said: "It appears to be evident that  the season in Scotland is commencing with a clamp down on grappling.

"When you look at this decision who actually is doing the holding.

"Both players are holding onto each other so the judgment of an offence could have gone either way.

"The referee along with VAR are satisfied that they have made the correct call."

Why Rangers can't focus on referee complaints

Ultimately, the Bears can't blame the referee for the result, it is their own doing, they simply were not good enough.

They are lacking creativity, and desperately need new additions despite already making nine signings.

The decision was certainly not ideal, as it set them on the back foot from early on, but they have to be better going forward.

They have to get a player in who is a real difference maker, but that will not change the issues that they have.

One player can't carry the burden that is required to turn the campaign around, so it may not be a quick fix for McInnes and his side, in their attempts to score more.

It will take patience, hard work and a lot of time on the training pitch, if they are to get back on track and challenge Hearts and Celtic for the league title.