Ex-FIFA ref understands Rangers fans' frustrations over Celtic footage

Keith Hackett can “absolutely” understand why Rangers fans will feel aggrieved at footage involving Celtic midfielder Arne Engels at the weekend.

Engels was issued a yellow card by referee Chris Graham for a foul on Joe Newell, which VAR decided did not require a second look for an upgrade to a red card.

Hibernian boss David Gray was not happy with the decision, while numerous Rangers fans flagged on social media a similar incident last season in which Jose Cifuentes had a yellow upgraded to a red against Dundee for a near-identical challenge.

Asked if Rangers supporters have a point with their complaints, Hackett exclusively told Ibrox News: “Absolutely. I expected the same to happen to the Celtic player [as the Rangers incident].

“The bar is set by the Scottish FA and this is where fans want consistency. This player launched himself, albeit a short distance, but nonetheless there was force.”

Scottish officials need to show more consistency

The Cifuentes incident is in the past now, but it just goes to highlight how near-identical challenges can result in different outcomes.

Engels should have been shown a red card for what was a really nasty challenge on Newell, which the referee deemed only worthy of a yellow.

VAR is supposed to act as an extra layer to ensure correct decisions are made, and if Cifuentes’ challenge was indeed a red against Dundee, then so should this have been.

In other Rangers news, Hackett hopes the Scottish FA will intervene after an incident involving a Gers player against Ross County.

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