Bobby Madden hits out as he reacts to Rangers v Hibernian controversy

Rangers defender Jon Souttar conceding a penalty for handball against Hibernian on Sunday 29 September was “100 per cent correct”, Bobby Madden has said.

The former FIFA referee posted on Instagram (29 September) to give his analysis on the controversial incident which saw Hibs awarded a penalty late in the first half after a scrappy shot hit Souttar’s elbow.

Jack Butland saved Mykola Kuharevich’s effort to help his side to a 1-0 victory, and Madden argued that while the decision was correct, calls for Souttar to be sent off were not.

He said: “Penalty 100 per cent correct. No doubt.

“I see some blinkered individuals are demanding a red card for denying a goal – unlike Motherwell yesterday, the goalkeeper was in position to make a save. Quite simple really.”

Rangers survive Hibernian controversy

The Gers making their long-awaited Scottish Premiership return to Ibrox was supposed to be an occasion of celebration after months of uncertainly but instead became a nervy grind for everyone.

Tom Lawrence’s first-half winner – his second in as many league games – eventually proved to be the difference for Philippe Clement’s side, but the Gers were pushed all the way by Hibs.

Having Butland to thank for keeping out Kuharevich’s penalty – sparing Souttar’s blushes in the process – shows that despite claiming another three points, the Gers are far from the finished article.

Had on-field referee Nick Walsh or VAR official Graham Grainger been of the “blinkered” opinion that Souttar should have received red, things could have proven to be a lot different in the second half.

But on Souttar stayed, and having played his part in weathering the visitors’ storm to see out a fourth consecutive win and clean sheet since the international break, Clement has plenty to be pleased about.

In other Rangers news, Alan Brazil couldn’t resist making a joke at Ally McCoist’s expense after what one ex-Ibrox star did in Europe.

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