Former referee admits Rangers had a great deal of ‘bad luck’ as he analyses three major decisions in Hearts loss
The Rangers are now having their worst season-opening start in almost fifty years.
Rangers’ dismal start to the season continued at Ibrox when they lost controversially to high-flying Hearts 2-0.
After yet another dismal performance and outcome in front of the home crowd, it is the club’s poorest league campaign start in 47 years and just adds to the pressure on manager Russell Martin.
The two goals for the visitors came from Lawrence Shankland, a one-time Rangers transfer target who only managed three of the six goals he scored last season in all competitions. However, Rangers fans have been quite critical of the way Shankland scored his first goal, claiming that he handled the ball during the build-up.
Dermot Gallagher shares his thoughts on controversial Lawrence Shankland goal
Dermot Gallagher, a retired referee, stated on Ref Watch that Lawrence Shankland’s opening should not have stood.
Gallagher stated on Sky Sports, “I think Rangers had more than their fair share of bad luck in this game, to be honest.” “I believe that to be handball. The referee doesn’t see it. There is a referee.
“That is just so clear to see, that wasn’t even in that area where it’s a grey area,” continued former England player Jay Bothroyd, who is most remembered for his stint as a striker for Cardiff City. He had that at his elbow. That was not the right objective.
Jay Bothroyd slams referee for key call which could cost Russell Martin his job
Derek Cornelius seemed to have equalized in the second half, giving a lackluster Rangers a chance to get back into the game. The referee decided to disallow the goal, thus the celebrations were short-lived.
According to Jay Bothroyd, Russell Martin might lose his job as a result of this unfortunate incident, and the goal shouldn’t have been disallowed. Regarding Alexander Schwolow, the goalie for Hearts, he stated: “He needs to come out, be aggressive, and try to punch that.” He must be stronger in the end. It’s a bad choice. It ought to have been a goal, and the manager might be fired for it.
Gallagher continued: “I think the on-field decision is carrying the weight, but I thought [Hearts were] extremely lucky to get a foul for that.”
Things then became worse for a devastated Rangers when Hearts were given a penalty after Mohamed Diomande seemed to have fouled Harry Milne. Russell Martin was furious on the touchline when Steven McLean decided to award the penalty, and Bothroyd believes the call was incorrect once more. “I don’t think that is a penalty,” he replied. It’s soft.
But in this case, Gallagher showed a little more leniency toward the referee. “Hard decision,” he said. I have conflicting thoughts about this. Is communication possible? Is contact sufficient? I’m not sure. The referee, however, gave it on-field.
After a fantastic start, Hearts’ victory puts them in second place and even with Celtic on the standings. After one extra game, Rangers fell to 10th place in the league standings, just three points above cellar team Aberdeen. Martin is under increasing pressure to make a change soon. The Light Blues, who are still looking for their first win of the new season, take on third-place Hibs in their next game.
