'We haven't seen a change in this...' – Ex-FIFA official reacts to Rangers v Hibs controversy

Philippe Clement cannot complain at the penalty awarded against John Souttar during Rangers versus Hibernian, according to Dermot Gallagher.

Speaking on Sky Sports News’ Ref Watch (30 September), the ex-FIFA referee said that a Hibs shot striking Souttar’s outstretched arm was a definite penalty and has been for some time.

Clement became animated in his post-match press conference to demonstrate why a penalty shouldn’t have been given, but Gallagher pointed out that referee Nick Walsh followed the letter of the law.

When asked if Clement was right to be unhappy with the decision, Gallagher said: “No, because we haven’t seen a change in this.

“The ball’s going directly towards goal and his arm’s outstretched, he’s blocked a shot at goal, keeper’s there so it’s not a red card – (but) it is a handball and it is a penalty.”

Jack Butland bails below-par Rangers out against Hibernian

If Souttar, Clement and the Ibrox faithful thought they were unlucky to be on the receiving end of Walsh’s penalty decision against Hibs, they were extremely lucky to have Jack Butland facing it.

The Gers goalkeeper made a strong save from Mykola Kuharevich’s spot-kick on the stroke of half-time, maintaining the 1-0 lead that eventually won the game for the hosts.

Questions had risen over the Englishman’s form in the wake of the Light Blues’ 3-0 Old Firm defeat at Celtic Park, but since then Butland has kept four clean sheets in a row.

That’s also coincided with four straight wins across three different competitions for Clement’s side, who prepare to next face Ligue 1 side Lyon in the Europa League on 3 October.

Clement will undoubtedly put the refereeing performance under a microscope should similar controversy arise on Thursday evening, but regardless of what’s thrown at the Gers, he’ll be confident in Butland’s ability to keep their opponents at bay.

In other Rangers news, one journalist has warned the Light Blues against “playing with fire” after their win against Hibernian.

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