'Goes into it naively' - Ex-PL official reacts to Hagi controversy in Rangers v St. Johnstone

Dermot Gallagher believes the correct decision was made to send Ianis Hagi off as Rangers beat St. Johnstone 2-0 at Ibrox on Sunday (6 October).

Václav Černý scored a fantastic brace as the Gers recorded their third consecutive win in the Scottish Premiership.

However, it wasn’t a perfect evening for Philippe Clement’s side, as Hagi was shown a straight red card on his first appearance in 14 months for the Rangers first-team.

Hagi was sent off after VAR upgraded his booking to a red card, and when asked if this was the correct decision, Gallagher said (via Sky Sports Football on X, 7 October), “I think so”.

“When you look at it again, it is not a nice tackle at all. I don’t know if he means to make this tackle like this, or whether he just goes into it naively, but he does catch him badly.”

Ianis Hagi sent off on return for Rangers

Luckily for Clement and his players, the dismissal didn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things. However, for Hagi, this was the worst possible thing which could have happened.

It clearly meant a great deal for him to be back out on the pitch at Ibrox, evidenced by his post on his personal Instagram story on Monday (7 October).

He was applauded off the field after the incident and even received a hug from Clement on his way off.

In addition, he grabbed an assist upon his return to the Gers’ first-team fold. Therefore, despite the sending-off, the player will be hopeful that he can begin to turn things around in Scotland.

It wasn’t by any means a dream return for Hagi. However, the 25-year-old will certainly be hopeful that he did enough to continue his Rangers revival.

Although that will of course now have to wait a few matches.

In other Rangers news, the club’s board face “big decisions” as Middle East investment is mooted.

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The post 'Goes into it naively' - Ex-PL official reacts to Hagi controversy in Rangers v St. Johnstone appeared first on Ibrox News.