Michael Stewart claims Rangers foul is dragging football into 'no contact' territory in Livingston red card defence

Kemar Roofe won a free-kick that allowed James Tavernier to score against the Lions in the 3-0 win.

Michael Stewart insists Stephane Omeonga should not have seen red for a foul on Rangers striker Kemar Roofe insisting that football is risking becoming "a no contact sport."

Michael Beale's men cruised to a 3-0 victory over David Martindale's side with the first goal coming from the penalty spot and the second from a free kick from James Tavernier. Ahead of the skipper's second goal Omeonga was dismissed for a second booking after a foul on Roofe as the Rangers frontman looked to make his way into the home side's box.

After going down to 10 men Livi failed to contain the Light Blues and boss Martindale fumed at the full-time whistle, insisting that Roofe had initially made contract with his midfielder before going down. Speaking on BBC Sportscene, Stewart offered a defence of Omeonga as he pointed to an unseen angle of the flashpoint during the Scottish Premiership showdown.

Stewart took the criticism one step further, stating: "I don't think it was a foul when you look at the angle from low and behind. First of all it's a wonderful free-kick from James Tavernier.

"For me I don't think it's a foul and I don't think it's a yellow card. That (goal) comes towards the end of the game and kills it off. (I have) huge sympathy for Omeonga as I think that he pulls out of it. If that is a foul we are effectively taking the game into a no contact sport. I don't think anybody wants to see that."

Sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.

READ NEXT