Though there were a few odd choices, the league leaders returned along the M77 with all three points.
Lundstram fine
When Armstrong’s cross into the box cannoned off the Rangers midfielder’s arm and the Killie man converted, it was decided that the player had handled the ball. At the time, it appeared clear-cut, but former Ibrox winger Neil McCann wasn’t so convinced, and former referee Bobby Madden concurs. McCann stated, “I know this is given as a penalty,” on BBC Sportscene. There was no hesitancy in indicating the location. But in my opinion, it’s not. He’s tucked his elbow in. After the impact, the arm separates. I’m not sure how John Lundstram is meant to use his elbow. “At the point of contact, the arm is tight to the body and the defender does not make themselves unnaturally bigger,” stated Madden, lending his experienced voice to the discussion. It’s difficult to comprehend why the suggestion of an on-field review was made.
Is Diomande fortunate?
Although it is understandable since they work for the team’s TV station, analysts John Barnes and MacKinnon were of the opinion that Mohamed Diomande ought to have seen red for Rangers. It happened as Kilmarnock’s Liam Donnelly broke free and was hauled back near the halfway line by the final guy, the Ivorian. On Jack Butland, the Irishman would have been decisively defeated. Was it appropriate to give him his marching orders
Is it in the Nic of time?
Following his introduction as a substitute for Rangers, Nico Raskin was the subject of a penalty claim after it appeared that he knocked Liam Donnelly over inside the box. The Belgian may have gotten away with one there, but he quickly raised his arms in defense of his innocence. Derek McInnes undoubtedly agreed. “It’s a free-kick anywhere else on the field,” he declared. “From the one perspective my analysts have shown me, it appears that Donnelly had the first touch and was bundled over. The VAR people obviously have more angles. From the angle I’ve seen it probably could’ve been a penalty but I’m sure they’ve checked it and if there’s different angles to suggest it wasn’t, so be it. However, I was unhappy that it wasn’t awarded.
Findlay inside a Stu
This was another handball penalty shout for Rangers although admittedly not as strong as the one to follow. Gers substitute Cyriel Dessers was inside the box and the ball came off Stuart Findlay and bounced up to hit him on the hand
Penalty appeal for Rangers as the ball hits the hand of Stuart Findlay
But here is the crucial piece of information from Madden, who took to Instagram. He said: “You can’t punish a player for playing a ball against their own hand/arm. Would really appreciate people starting to recognise that.”
Lucky Lewis
This was the big one that had Philippe Clement demanding answers over a lack of consistency and the Belgian appears to have a point. As Scott Wright made his way into the box and clipped a ball over former Ibrox kid Lewis Mayo looked to move his arm out and the ball struck him on the hand. But no penalty was awarded – and VAR didn’t intervene.
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