Rangers secured a narrow Premiership victory over St Mirren at Ibrox Stadium on Wednesday evening, but post-match debate has centred on an unpunished challenge by Manny Fernandez.
Derek McInnes watched his side claim a win following a last-minute Bojan Miovski strike, although defensive discipline remains under scrutiny.
Ismeal Kabia was brought down by the defender inside the penalty area during the first half when the scores were level.
Former referee Bobby Madden believes a spot-kick was missed.
Speaking via the Glasgow Times, Madden evaluated the incident against UEFA guidelines.
“This will be a highly controversial decision in the match between St Mirren and Rangers,” Madden stated.
“Clear Lines states that there should be a penalty awarded or VAR intervention if the step on foot is clear, if there is a significant degree of intensity and if it impacts on the attacker,” he added.
Pundit Criticises VAR Intervention
Andy Halliday questioned the officiating regarding the high-risk defensive action, telling the Daily Record that VAR official Steven McLean made a grave error.
“Undoubtedly, for me. Dujon Sterling drops his runner and Kabia gets in the blind side of him. I think you can forgive a referee for not seeing this live, because there wasn’t much of an appeal when it came to the St Mirren players,” Halliday explained.
The defensive controversy chimes with McInnes’ shifting tactical setup, but it can’t be allowed to grow arms and legs ahead of the Old Firm League Cup meeting on Sunday.
Rangers then travel to face Celtic the following Sunday in their next Premiership fixture.
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