Controversial Cyriel Dessers goal for Rangers in League Cup win challenged by St Johnstone

Cyriel Dessers remains at the centre of controversy following his crucial opening goal in Rangers’ 2-0 League Cup victory over St Johnstone, Soccernet.ng reports.

The goal, scored in the 61st minute, has led St Johnstone to seek further clarification from the Scottish FA regarding its legitimacy, according to the BBC. 

The drama unfolded when referee Matthew MacDermid initially ruled out Dessers’ strike due to a perceived foul.

However, after VAR review, MacDermid reversed his decision and awarded the goal. St Johnstone, believing that play had been halted, are now questioning whether proper procedures were followed.

Following the match, St Johnstone’s manager, Craig Levein, expressed frustration. “Everybody stopped because of one or two things,” Levein commented.

“Either they’ve stopped because they heard the whistle or they’ve seen the referee giving us a free-kick. I think the referee’s made a mistake, and I’d love him to come out afterwards and just say, ‘look I’ve got that one wrong.’”

The Scottish FA later clarified that MacDermid blew his whistle only after Dessers had scored.

Despite St Johnstone’s protests, the goal stood, leading to Rangers’ progression to the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup.

Dessers’ goal, his seventh in 15 appearances this season, came after a period of pressure from Rangers, with Ross McCausland sealing the win with a late second.