Michael Stewart baffled by what Rangers fans said after controversial incident v St Johnstone

Michael Stewart has been left baffled by what some Rangers fans said about Ianis Hagi’s red card in the clash with St Johnstone.

The Romanian international’s return to first-team action was cut short on Sunday (6 October) as he received a straight red card for a dangerous challenge as the Light Blues ran out 2-0 winners.

While some pundits suggested the attacking midfielder was unfortunate on first viewing, Premier Sports’ Stewart was left with his head in his hands after fans insisted a Celtic player wouldn’t have seen red for the controversial tackle.

Speaking on The Scottish Football Social Club (7 October, 24:15) he said: “I can’t believe some fans.

“There was a couple of guys behind us in the commentary box, punters saying ‘a Celtic player would never get sent off for that’.”

What happened to Ianis Hagi at Ibrox on Rangers return?

On first viewing, it did seem as though Hagi was slightly unfortunate to have been giving his marching orders. However, when the tackle was shown again in slow motion, it was clear that he had to go.

There was no intent to hurt his opponent and it is obvious the Romanian international isn’t that sort of player, but that simply cannot come into the referee’s thinking, particularly in the modern game.

Some conspiracy theorists will suggest a Celtic star wouldn’t be treated as harshly and while Stewart has picked up that suggestion and used it to try and wind up Rangers fans, he is right that any player would be sent off for that sort of challenge.

Hopefully, the officials north of the border will be consistent for the remainder of the season when it comes to these sorts of tackles.

It will only feed the conspiracies and suggestions of bias further if members of Brendan Rodgers’ side get off with a warning for similar instances.

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

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