Keith Hackett taken aback by blatant ref error in Rangers-Hearts clash at Ibrox

Keith Hackett has stressed the need for “common sense” to be used when blowing the whistle for full-time in games after being stunned by the controversy in the Rangers and Hearts fixture on Sunday (10 November).

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-FIFA and Premier League official believes that there is “no question” that referees should learn when to blow to end the game.

Hearts were pushing for a last-minute equaliser in the Ibrox fixture when there was a handball appeal after Blair Spittal’s shot appeared to be blocked by Kieran Dowell’s arm.

The Jambos wanted a freekick on the edge of the area, which would have presented a goalscoring opportunity with the final kick of the game.

However, the whistle ended up being blown for full-time instead which frustrated Hearts players and fans, and caused mass confusion in the stadium.

Keith Hackett believes the premature final whistle in the Rangers game was lacking common sense

Hackett told Football Insider, “The one thing you should learn as a referee is when to blow to end the game, there is no question.

“The game doesn’t have an independent timekeeper, the referee is the sole timekeeper.

“For the good of the game, it was a handball offence and it should have been a free-kick.

“He should have allowed it to be taken and then blown his whistle, he’s prematurely stopped the game.

“I’m critical of it because it mirrors a similar situation years ago when Clive Thomas awarded a corner kick in a Brazil game, and he blew his whistle before the ball was in the back of the net.

“Use some common sense.”

In other news, Exclusive: Rangers plan to sell James Tavernier and sign replacement.

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