Kris Boyd in unflinching Rangers red card verdict as pundit rues referee 'consistency' after Leon Balogun dismissal

Balogun was sent off in the first half against Motherwell for a late challenge on Dean Cornelius.

Kris Boyd insists there can be no argument with the decision to send off Leon Balogun against Motherwell.

But the Rangers hero has asked where the consistency is from officials - arguing Juhani Ojala should have walked shortly after.

Balogun was given his marching orders in the first half for a heavy challenge on Motherwell 's Dean Cornelius.

The Nigerian went in high and late and was immediately sent for an early bath by whistler Nick Walsh.

It was a big talking point of an eventful first half that saw Motherwell and Rangers, but pundits were mostly in agreement it was the correct call.

And while Boyd added his voice to the choir, he did question the consistency from whistler Walsh who later let one slide from the Motherwell defender.

He said on Sky Sports: "I've got no complaints about it and I don't think Balogun can either.

"You can see his foot is right over the top on Cornelius. It's a red card for me.

"I think what will frustrate Rangers is the inconsistency after that. Ojala could easily have walked after that.

"Then there's an incident where Mugabi pulls back Sakala, that was let go, and then Scott Arfield gets booked for a pull-back.

"I think that's where the issue is with officials in Scotland."

Fellow pundit James McFadden was then asked why Ojala wasn't sent off and reckons the Motherwell star was "fortunate" - even if the incidents weren't carbon copies.

He said: "I think it's similar, he slides in and the left leg comes over. The biggest difference is it's not over the ball and he's not trying to hurt the player.

"I think he's fortunate, it could have been a red, but it's not exactly the same."

Meanwhile Ally McCoist said he has "no problem" with the decision to send off Balogun.

The Ibrox hero said on commentary: "I am surprised at the challenge because there is no need to make it really, no need to make it.

"The referee Nick Walsh is in absolutely no doubt. It is very, very physical.

"He takes the ball and his left foot goes over the top of the ball so I can understand the referee's decision. Totally understand it."

Rangers had led through Scott Wright but were pegged back by Ross Tierney shortly after the sending off before the half-time whistle.