Sebastien Pocognoli to be "absolutely livid" after USG moment v Rangers. Credit: Football Plus YouTube

Union SG boss 'livid' after 'scandalous' moment emerges v Rangers - Ally McCoist

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

31 Jan 2025, 5:10 am

Ally McCoist predicted Union St Gilloise manager Sebastien Pocognoli to be "absolutely livid" after missing a golden opportunity against Rangers on Thursday.

Franjo Ivanovic broke the offside trap before rounding Jack Butland, only to be denied by a superb James Tavernier block, with the USG attacker slammed by the TNT Sports pundit on 30 January.

With Philippe Clement's side battling for an automatic spot in the round of 16, Nico Raskin and Vaclav Cerny secured all three points before a late goal from Kevin Mac Allister ensured a nervy ending.

The Belgian side could have come away with more than just a defeat at Ibrox had the "scandalous" moment been turned into a goal for the Gers' opponents.

Speaking live via TNT Sports 3 [30 January, 9:09pm], McCoist said: "It's scandalous attacking play, it really is. Their manager, Pocognoli, will be absolutely livid. It's just a simple ball, but I don't know what he's thinking, Ivanovic...

"Tavernier does well to get back, credit where it's due. He shouldn't allow it to happen in the first place but he gets back well. Ivanovic, deary me..."

Rangers ready for successful European streak after USG victory

Clement will not hide from his side's horrendous form in the Scottish Premiership, and despite a recent run of positive results, the gap at the top of the table seems too large to come back from.

The Gers' form in Europe, on the other hand, has seen them secure an automatic spot in the Europa League round of 16, beating the likes of Ajax, Real Sociedad, AS Roma and Galatasaray.

It's been a truly remarkable campaign for the Light Blues, putting in brilliant performances against the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United, and they have been rewarded for that.

Ibrox, the home of Rangers [Credit: Imago]

This does not mean that their 2-1 win over USG came without its difficult moments, with Tavernier's experience proving the difference as a makeshift centre-back alongside Robin Propper.

Focus will also be shifted to the Scottish Cup, taking on Queen's Park soon, but their quest for European glory should be high on the list of priorities right now.

In other Rangers news, a 4/10 player disappointed yet again as a 9/10 star stole the show at Ibrox against Union St Gilloise.

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Rangers

Ally McCoist

Union SG