Keith Hackett has expressed his support for Rangers fans who feel aggrieved by the handling of a contentious challenge by Celtic midfielder Arne Engels during the weekend’s Scottish Premiership action.
Engels received a yellow card from referee Chris Graham for a heavy tackle on Hibernian’s Joe Newell.
VAR did not intervene to reassess the decision for a potential red card, sparking outrage from Hibernian manager David Gray and Rangers supporters alike.
Fans were quick to point out a similar incident last season when Rangers’ Jose Cifuentes saw his yellow card upgraded to a red for a comparable foul against Dundee.
Speaking to Ibrox News, Hackett said: “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.”
The issue once again highlights the inconsistency of officiating in Scottish football.
While the Cifuentes incident is now history, Engels’ tackle has reignited debates about fairness in disciplinary decisions.
Hackett’s view reflects the frustration of many who believe the Celtic midfielder’s challenge warranted a
