Keith Hackett can “absolutely” understand why Rangers fans will feel aggrieved at footage involving Celtic midfielder Arne Engels at the weekend.
Engels was issued a yellow card by referee Chris Graham for a foul on Joe Newell, which VAR decided did not require a second look for an upgrade to a red card.
Hibernian boss David Gray was not happy with the decision, while numerous Rangers fans flagged on social media a similar incident last season in which Jose Cifuentes had a yellow upgraded to a red against Dundee for a near-identical challenge.
Asked if Rangers supporters have a point with their complaints, Hackett exclusively told Ibrox News: “Absolutely. I expected the same to happen to the Celtic player [as the Rangers incident].
“The bar is set by the Scottish FA and this is where fans want consistency. This player launched himself, albeit a short distance, but nonetheless there was force.”
Scottish officials need to show more consistency
The Cifuentes incident is in the past now, but it just goes to highlight how near-identical challenges can result in different outcomes.
Engels should have been shown a red card for what was a really nasty challenge on Newell, which the referee deemed only worthy of a yellow.
VAR is supposed to act as an extra layer to ensure correct decisions are made, and if Cifuentes’ challenge was indeed a red against Dundee, then so should this have been.
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