It’s a coward’s tackle to be honest – Wild moment Hearts’ Cammy Devlin saw red for stamp on Rangers star Rabbi Matondo
HEARTS legend John Robertson branded Cammy Devlin's lunge on Rangers star Rabbi Matondo a 'coward's tackle' after his tackle saw the Jambos reduced to ten men.
The hosts had gone into this Premiership clash in bullish mood, but Devlin's indiscretion left them with a mountain to climb after TWO first-half strikes from Antonio Colak.
TV cameras showed the eager Aussie midfielder running at pace towards Matondo who was shielding the ball on the touchline.
But he got it all wrong - and only succeeded in standing on the Welsh winger's ankle.
It sparked outrage from the Rangers bench - where manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst was a matter of inches from the action.
The normally placid Dutchman clearly wasn't impressed as he protested about the tackle - and he made a point to the player afterwards - because he's a player he "ADMIRES".
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"It was just before me, Rabbi was in battle with his opponent. And he just came round behind him.
"I really like him as a player but he doesn't need this tackle. I told him he is a far better player than he showed today.
"He is one of their better players, he is dynamic, I told him he doesn't need this type of challenge."
And watching Hearts legend Robbo wasn't impressed either, saying: "It's stupid, it's terrible, it's a bit of a coward's challenge if you're being honest. That's just silly."
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It left the Jambos with a mountain to climb and 45 minutes to play out with ten men ahead of a huge European clash with Fiorentina in midweek.
Robbie Neilson appeared to have one eye on that match when he took Barrie McKay and Stephen Kingsley off at half time.
Meanwhile, Rangers MD Stewart Robertson has insisted contract talks ARE under way with Ibrox star duo Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent.
Robertson told Rangers Review: “With Alfredo and Ryan, those discussions are happening.
"The guys have got until the end of May in their existing contracts.
"We will try to engage with players when we want them to extend.
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"Some will want to take time because it's a big decision for them."
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