'Shocking' - Ex-FIFA official feels sorry for Rangers player after August controversy

Noel Egan claims the decision to send Rangers defender Jefte off against Dynamo Kyiv was a “shocking” one.

The ex-FIFA official felt sorry for the 20-year-old after he was shown his marching orders at Ibrox.

Jefte was sent off five minutes into the second half of Rangers’ 2-0 defeat to Dynamo Kyiv (13 August) for a second bookable offence.

Philippe Clement described the incident as the “worst decision” he has seen in more than 30 years (via The Scottish Sun, 13 August).

And Egan – speaking exclusively to Ibrox News – agrees that the referee made a mistake sending Jefte off.

“That UEFA referee clearly considered it to be a reckless challenge,” Egan said.

“However, that was a shocking decision, in my opinion, and I felt sorry for Jefte. He jumped with his arms fairly close to his body and the player underneath just jumped up into him.

“I really thought that was a shocking decision which had a big impact on the match. Whether Dynamo Kyiv were helped by having a referee from Europe, I am not sure.

“That was by no means a reckless challenge.”

Rangers and Philippe Clement fuming after Jefte red card v Dynamo Kyiv

Supporters and pundits alike have expressed their shock at the decision to send Jefte off.

Clement has every right to feel aggrieved by the incident and it did arguably cost the Gers a place in the UEFA Champions League.

That is something which could prove incredibly costly down the line. However, unfortunately, all Clement and his players can do now is suck it up and move on.

Moaning about the decision won’t turn back time, and while Jefte will no doubt feel frustrated, he must now channel that frustration into some positive performances.

In other Rangers news, an Oscar Cortes injury update has emerged.

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