'Utter nonsense' - Michael Stewart reacts to Rangers controversy v Hearts live on BBC

Michael Stewart has claimed that the handball situation around Rangers midfielder Connor Barron against Hearts was “utter nonsense” due to recent rule changes.

Barron got in the way of a cross early in the opening 45 minutes, which sent the home side and their fans screaming at the referee.

The former Hearts midfielder questioned what the player is supposed to do in that sort of situation where they have no other option during the 0-0 draw on 3 August.

Stewart said to BBC Soundsport at 13:04: “You know my thoughts on handball interpretation previously, utter nonsense,” he said.

“So, I don’t think it’s a bad thing if that instance, if the way it sounds, isn’t given because I shake my head sometimes thinking what is the defender meant to do.”

Connor Barron starred during Rangers v Hearts

Aside from the controversial handball decision, Barron was one of the Gers’ most impressive players during the tie.

The reason why it may have been so controversial to outsiders, and clearly Hearts, was because last term, they may have won the decision.

The players and fans at the club will have also really wanted to have won the decision as it would have given them an advantage going into the second half.

Barron is one of many Philippe Clement transfers this season but of all those that have arrived, his addition is one of the most intriguing.

It’s clear that he was brought in as the replacement for one or both of John Lundstram and Ryan Jack.

He plays in a similar role to the two which departed and has seemingly slotted straight into the club’s first team.

An agreement in terms of compensation to Aberdeen still needs to be agreed upon but, whatever the price, the young Scotsman will likely be worth it given his first real outing.

In other Rangers news, the club’s board may now push to sign a striker that Philippe Clement does not admire.

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