Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher assesses the controversial moments from the weekend’s Scottish Premiership action, including a red for Rangers’ Mohamed Diomande and incidents involving Kilmarnock, Hearts, Hibs, Ross County, St Johnstone and Motherwell.
Dundee United 1-3 Rangers
The Ref Watch team analyse the decision to send Mohamed Diomande off for a challenge on Kevin Holt in Rangers’ 3-1 win at Dundee United
INCIDENT: Rangers went down to 10 players at Dundee United. Mohamed Diamonde was shown a straight red after an incident with Kevin Holt.
The referee was asked to have another look and stuck with his original decision but was there enough for a straight red card? Rangers boss Philippe Clement has already said they will appeal.
DERMOT SAYS: “I was surprised the red card came out and even more surprised when the referee was sent to the screen he stuck with his original decision.
“It does prove that if you go to the screen all options are available.
“He gets pushed twice and then raises his arms? Does he connect with his face? Does he mean to connect with his face?
“The other thing to remember, in law, is it brutal or malicious? This doesn’t come into either.”
The Sky Sports SPFL team discuss if Mohamed Diomande deserved a red card for a clash with Dundee United’s Kevin Holt
SUE SMITH SAYS: “It’s never a red card.
“I watched it from all different angles and I just can’t see how it is a red card.
“Diomande gets pushed and is moving away from Kevin Holt. He doesn’t connect with him at all.
“It was a real shock decision, in particular after the referee went to the screen.”
STEPHEN WARNOCK SAYS: “I’m still trying to work out what he’s seen!
“It’s a real bad decision and it will be interesting to see what the fallout is, and what his explanation is.”
Highlights of the Scottish Premiership match between Dundee United and Rangers
INCIDENT: There was a shout for a penalty for Rangers at Dundee United for handball by Declan Gallagher.
DERMOT SAYS: “I am pleased it wasn’t given because I don’t think it was a penalty.
“The player has his arm up, he brings it down, the ball bounces up as he brings his arm down and it hits his arm.
“I think you have to be very wary of giving penalties for something like that.”
St Johnstone 2-1 Motherwell
The Ref Watch team analyse a handball claim for Rangers at Dundee United and penalty awards for the offence for Motherwell and Ross County
INCIDENT: A penalty was given to Motherwell against St Johnstone after a VAR review for a handball by Sven Sprangler.
DERMOT SAYS: “There’s no comparison to the Rangers penalty shout. He’s punched the ball here.”
Ross County 1-1 Hibs
Highlights of the Scottish Premiership match between Ross County and Hibernian
INCIDENT: Ross County against Hibernian and a penalty to Ross County for a handball by Nicky Cadden. Is this a bit harsh?
DERMOT SAYS: “Here the arm is outstretched.
“With the Rangers appeal, the arm is going back down but with Cadden, it is out.”
Hearts 3-2 Kilmarnock
Highlights of the Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Kilmarnock
INCIDENT: Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes was very unhappy about Hearts’ opening goal.
He believed Elton Kabangu was offside.
Would this have been checked?
DERMOT SAYS: “He was in an offside position but the ball goes to the striker.
“He may have felt that he impeded the defender, but I think it is the other way around. The defender impedes the forward.
“He does start in an offside position but he doesn’t go after the ball. He’s not active and hasn’t moved towards his opponent. His opponent has moved towards him.”
