Rangers fans call on SFA to ‘release the audio’ again as Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton AGREE on controversial VAR red card
IT was a 50-50 ball that's resulted in a 50-50 split of opinion - and Rangers WILL consider appealing Dujon Sterling's red card, Philippe Clement has admitted.
And there's VAR at the heart of the controversy again.
Six weeks after a controversial call in the Old Firm defeat to Celtic led to an SFA showdown meeting between the club and referee chief Crawford Allan the replay technology was again in focus.
And the drama had some fans saying "Release the audio" once again.
Midfielder Sterling was ordered off challenging for Jack MacKenzie following an on-field review in the 88th minute.
Referee Don Robertson was sent to the monitor to review his red card decision - that's nothing new.
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But what WAS unusual was the ref then stuck to his guns and in his re-watch of the incident didn't revise his decision.
Greg Aitken in Clydesdale House reckoned it was worth a second look but Robertson still sent Sterling packing after being afforded a variety of views in addition to his on-field vantage point.
You can count the amount of times that's happened this season on one hand.
Likewise Chris Sutton and Kris Boyd reaching a consensus - but that happened too!
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It outraged fans of the Gers - who still won 2-1 thanks to Todd Cantwell and Rabbi Matondo - but others, including Sutton, backed the ref's stance, if not his decision.
The Sky pundit said: "I didn't think it was a red card.
"But do you know what, fair play to Don. He saw it as a red, he went to the monitor and stuck to his decision. He's under all sorts of pressure at Ibrox.
"I think it's mistimed, he slips after, but I think it's a yellow card."
Rangers fans agreed, partially, with the former Celtic stirker.
One said: "Shocking man, his supporting leg has slipped and that’s never reckless enough to be a straight red."
Another added: "Destroying the game. Imagine Vinnie Jones in today’s game. He’d never be on the pitch."
A third said: "At the weekend, a Muay Thai kick on an Aberdeen player doesn't even warrant a booking."
A fourth said: "That's a red but Duk's blatant elbow wasn't. Crazy decision. Least the VAR had the common sense to recommend a review. Ridiculous for the ref to uphold that decision."
And writing on X.com another posted: "Only in Scotland can a referee get to see the incident twice and still get it wrong on both occasions."
Some even called for the SFA to "release the audio" to enlighten fans on the decision-making process - just as Rangers called for in December's row.
Ex-Gers Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd felt the call was harsh, but former Aberdeen captain and goalie Joe Lewis was on the ref's side.
He said: "I think if he gave a yellow he'd stick with a yellow, but he gave red.
"I think it's the pace he goes with and he catches him on top of the foot - but I like to see a ref stick with his decision."
Co-commentator Miller said: "That's not a red card. He's slid in, his feet are not high at all. He's maybe caught him on the top of the toe, I don't think that's a straight red card.
"I must say I'm surprised - the still pictures can do a disservice."
Kris Boyd added: "Is there speed there? Maybe. But that's the only box it ticks. Endangering the opponent, no. Chance of playing the ball, yes.
"It's not high, it's not at the ankle, he's not left the ground. I think it's the wrong decision."
Pundits for match broadcasters Sky disagreed and so did home boss Clement who said: "I can think whatever I want, it’s not important. It’s the referee who decides and it’s our job to accept it.
“I had a calm talk with the referee afterwards. It was really calm and I like it that we can discuss things with the referees in a respectful and decent way."
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Asked about an appeal he said: "Yes, that’s something we need to decide as a club. I never make these decisions alone. But this one is quite clear I think. But we will still need to discuss this inside the club.”
Pundits were also split over a late call by the referee and VAR too which saw the ball strike Connor Goldson on the arm twice - either side of a foul on the Gers defender.
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