Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher assesses the controversial moments from the weekend's Scottish Premiership action, including a Red For Rangers' Mohammed Diomande and incidents involving Kilmarnock, Hearts, Hibs, Ross County, St Johnstone and Motherwell.
Dundee United 1-3 Rangers
Incident: Rangers went to 10 players at Dundee United. Mohamed Diamante was shown a straight red after an incident with Kevin Holt.
The referee was asked to take 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 said: “I was surprised that the red card came out and even more surprised when the referee was sent to the screen for sticking to his original decision.
“It does prove that when you go to the screen, all the options are available.
“He gets pushed twice and raises his arms? Does he connect with his face? Does he want to connect with his face?
“The other thing to remember, in law, is it malignant or malignant? This doesn't come in.”
Sue Smith says: “It's never a red card.
“I've looked at it from all different angles and I just can't see how it's a red card.
“Diomande gets pushed and moves away from Kevin Holt. He doesn't make contact with him at all.
“It was a real shock decision, especially after the referee went to the screen.”
Stephen Warnock says: “I'm still trying to find out what he saw!
“It's a really bad decision and it will be interesting to see what the fallout is and what his explanation is.”
Incident: There was a shout for a penalty for Rangers at Dundee United for Handball by Declan Gallagher.
Dermot said: “I'm glad 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
Incident: A penalty was awarded to Motherwell against St. Johnstone following a VAR review for a Sven Sprangler handball.
Dermot says: “There's no comparison to the Rangers Penalty Shout. He's hit the ball here.”
Ross County 1-1 Hibs
Incident: Ross County v Hibernian and a penalty for Ross County for a Nicky Cadden handball. Is this a bit harsh?
Dermot says, “Here's the arm outstretched.
“With the Appeal Rangers the arm goes back down, but with Cadden it's over.”
Hearts 3-2 kilnad
Incident: Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes was very unhappy with Hearts' opening goal.
He believed Elton Kabangu was offside.
Could this have been checked?
Dermot said: “He was in an offside position but the ball goes to the striker.
“He may have felt like he was hindering the defender, but I think it's the other way around. The defender is hindering the attacker.
“He starts in an offside position, but he does not chase the ball. He is not active and has not moved towards his opponent. His opponent has moved towards him.”
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