Rangers vs Dundee United 90th minute call WAS NOT a penalty but could easily have been given, explains Michael Stewart
MICHAEL STEWART reckons Kevin Clancy was correct in NOT awarding Dundee United either of their two penalty claims today.
Interim boss Liam Fox and his side lost 2-1 to Rangers and had appeals from Tony Watt and Jamie McGrath turned down in the second-half.
The Tannadice side had been two goals down after a birthday double from Gers striker Antonio Colak.
But they had fought their way back into the game through Liam Smith and pressed their hosts hard for an equaliser late on.
United couldn't find a crucial second in the end - but some supporters felt they had a legitimate shout in claiming for at least one spot-kick.
Watt went down under pressure from Borna Barisic at 1-0 just after half-time.
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Then with with Fox's men putting everything into a late leveller McGrath looked to have been taken down by Malik Tillman in the dying stages.
Whistler Clancy adjudged neither to be worthy of fouls - a move former Hearts midfielder Stewart agrees with.
He told BBC Sportscene: "That one (the first incident) was soft - Tony Watt is goal side of Borna Barisic, and throws himself down.
"This one (Tillman on McGrath), you can understand why McGrath goes down because there is contact.
"That could easily be given, but you watch the replay here, Malik Tillman manages to get his foot in front, it flicks up the ball, it's a slight touch on the ball but it's enough, it's not a penalty.
"That could easily been given, the referee could have been blindsided and might not have seen the touch on the ball."
Before the match, a number of visiting fans sparked fury as they disrupted the minute's silence for Queen Elizabeth II.
The Monarch passed away last Thursday with the Ibrox side continuing their tributes ahead of kick-off today.
Radio mics audibly picked up booing as the stadium fell silent, before fans were heard shouting the words: 'Lizzie's in a box'.
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There then came a rendition of the British national anthem, as home fans made their displeasure known about the disruption.
Most other sides in Scotland opted to hold a minute's applause instead amid fears that this kind of protest could take place.
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