Michael Stewart goads Rangers fans over Hibs penalty backlash as he doubles down with foul explainer quip

The pundit faced criticism from the Ibrox support after he leapt to the defence of Jordan Obita.

Confident Michael Stewart has doubled down on claims that Rangers should NOT have been awarded a penalty during their Scottish Cup clash with Hibs.

The former Easter Road midfielder left Ibrox fans baffled when he dispute the decision to punish defender Jordan Obita for a trip on Dujon Sterling as the defender tracked the versatile Ibrox star into the box during the 2-0 win for Philippe Clement's side. Referee Steven McLean pointed to the penalty spot - with VAR backing up the man in the middle following a quick-check. T

That allowed James Tavernier to step up to the spot - and while his initial effort was saved by David Marshall, John Lundstram would latch on the rebound to open the scoring during the Scottish Cup clash. On commentary, Stewart declared that the penalty should not have been awarded - despite the likes of former Celtic and Hibs boss Neil Lennon backing up the man in the middle.

Asked on BBC Sportsound about his controversial take and how it "upset" some Rangers fans, Stewart remained bullish over the call. He responded: "I don't think it should have been. I completely understand why from Rangers perspective they would view it as a penalty.

"I just don't think when looking at that incident - and by the way, poor play, he is caught and Sterling has got inside - but that is not a foul, just for being in the wrong position. There wasn't a clipping of the heels. There wasn't a push, there wasn't a pull, there was contact and for me there wasn't enough contact to constitute a penalty kick."

Fellow pundit Shelley Kerr interjected: 'It's not even a debate. It's a penalty kick." Stewart chimed in: "On the basis of what?"

The show then switched back to the phone lines where a Rangers supporter also declared that he felt the match officials had got the big call correct. Stewart went on: "I find this wonderful as nobody has actually been able to explain to me what constitutes the foul!"