Live on BBC Sportscene against St Johnstone, Michael Stewart responds to the Rangers scandal

Referee Matthew MacDermid puzzled Michael Stewart by failing to give Rangers their first penalty in the team’s 3-0 victory over St Johnstone.

After Mohammed Diomande gave the Gers the lead with a goal in the first half,

the game was tight until Andy Considine obviously fouled Dujon Sterling.

Before the spot-kick was finally awarded,

MacDermid was not persuaded by the challenge and required VAR intervention.

This allowed James Tavernier to score his first of two penalties in the triumph on Sunday,

February 18.

Stewart stated via BBC Sportscene on Sunday,

February 18, at 23:15:

“I was shocked that the linesman and referee didn’t first indicate the penalty spot.

“Obviously,

it went to VAR after that,

and the appropriate call was made to award a penalty.

It was a stonewall penalty kick,

as you can see in real time.

Rangers win Scottish Premiership without any drama from VAR.

There was always the appearance of Philippe Clement’s team pulling away and taking all three points,

even if they were only ahead 1-0 for most of the game.

Though the challenge on Sterling was one of the clearest calls of the season,

there are concerns that MacDermid needed assistance from VAR to give the first of the two penalties of the game.

Considine knew that the full-back-turned-midfielder was always the first to reach the ball,

so he flew in to defend his goal at such a precarious score.

In the end, the right choice was made, and a crucial one at that,

as Rangers won all three points to take the lead in the Scottish Premiership and use the game they still had left to advance over Old Firm rivals Celtic.

With all the momentum currently in their favour in a thrilling Scottish title chase,

the Ibrox team is in full flow.

Rangers have risen to the top of the table thanks to Clement’s outstanding leadership,

and he has no intention of letting it go anytime soon.

Get more related news on…https://sportviewers.com/