'Lazy' - BBC pundit slams Rangers man after controversial incident in win v St Johnstone

Ianis Hagi has been slammed by Callum Davidson live on air for a “lazy” incident in Rangers’ Premiership win over St Johnstone.

Philippe Clement’s side headed into the international break with three points under their belt as a brace from Vaclav Cerny secured a 2-0 win for the Light Blues at Ibrox on Sunday (6 October).

The Gers did have to play the final moments with 10 men as Hagi was given his marching orders on his return to Ibrox for a high tackle on Benjamin Mbunga Kimpioka which BBC pundit Davidson initially felt was a harsh decision before viewing the replay.

Speaking on BBC Sportsound on Sunday (6 October, 21:40) he said: “I would like to see that again because from here I couldn’t see how it was a red card.

“It was a lazy hanging leg out and he’s caught Kimpioka on the shin. Kimpioka isn’t wearing the shin pads which is probably wrong as well.

“Is it one of those where it’s shin-on-shin and it’s made it sound worse and look worse?”

What happened to Ianis Hagi on Rangers return at Ibrox?

Nobody wanted Hagi’s Ibrox return to end in this way, but the attacking midfielder left the referee with very little choice, even if the contact was likely made worse by Kimpioka’s decision not to wear shinpads.

The Light Blues star was likely feeling more than a bit rusty after such a long time away from the Scottish game and while that didn’t show in possession, his work without the ball was that of a player who was desperate to make an impact.

It isn’t ideal that the Romanian international will now be set for another spell on the sidelines as he serves a suspension for his straight red card, but he will at least have more time out on the training pitch to get back up to speed with the first team.

Hopefully, the second game of his latest spell with the Light Blues will be a bit more positive than his first. There was no malice in the tackle and Hagi will likely only come back stronger after this incident.

In other Rangers news, Clement has dropped a new Tom Lawrence injury update after he limped off against Lyon

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