Rangers Secure Victory Amid Controversial Referee Decision
Rangers emerged victorious in a tightly contested match against Livingston at Ibrox, but the win came with a significant controversy that left the visiting manager, David Martindale, visibly frustrated. The decisive moment of the game was a handball incident involving Manny Fernandez, which many believed should have resulted in a penalty for Livingston.
The match was tied 1-1 in the first half after Tete Yengi equalized for Livingston following an opener from Manny Fernandez. However, during the play, Fernandez clearly handled a shot from Yengi within the box. Despite this, referee Ross Hardie did not award a penalty, and the decision sparked immediate backlash from Martindale.
Martindale took to the airwaves to express his outrage, calling the decision a “stonewall penalty” and criticizing the use of VAR in the process. He argued that the SFA’s explanation — that the player’s hand was in a “natural position” — was flawed and did not justify the lack of action.
“I can’t believe that is not a penalty,” Martindale said. “Well, part of me CAN believe we don’t get it, but it is a stonewall penalty. With VAR, it cannot keep going on like this.”
He added that he felt the entire football community was in disarray due to such decisions, emphasizing that these errors had real consequences for clubs and managers. “It is not going to help my group or get us up the table or get us three points,” he stated.
Martindale also questioned the fairness of the situation, stating that there were other moments in the game that went against his team. “Potentially, it could have made it 2-1 and makes it all the more difficult for Rangers,” he said. “The fans probably get on their backs as well and it probably gives my players more belief.”
He further criticized the referee’s actions, noting that he was told to move away from the pitch or risk a red card. “I’ve not had any explanation,” he added. “I thought there were two or three moments in the game that kind of went against us.”
Despite the controversy, Rangers managed to secure the win thanks to a late goal from Mohamed Diomande, which came after a review by VAR John Beaton following an initial offside decision. The victory marked Danny Rohl’s fourth consecutive league win, but he described it as a “dirty win” and acknowledged the need for improvement.
“I wasn’t here a couple of weeks ago, but maybe a couple of weeks ago, we wouldn’t win this game,” Rohl said. “In the first ten minutes, we scored and felt we are comfortable, we can carry on and it feels easy. Then, we started to be a little bit not 100 per cent focused in the small details.”
Rohl admitted that his team needs to work on their pass quality, counter-pressing, and defensive aggression. “We know that we have to improve this game, but, all in all, it is four wins in a row. If you offered me that four weeks ago, I would take it.”
The match highlighted the growing tensions surrounding the use of VAR in Scottish football. While some fans and managers argue that technology should enhance the game, others feel it introduces unnecessary confusion and inconsistency. As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: the impact of key decisions on the outcome of matches is a topic that will not fade anytime soon.
