Former midfielder Michael Stewart has delivered a fiery response while reviewing the controversial moments from Rangers’ 3-2 defeat to Motherwell at Ibrox, a result that has seriously damaged their Scottish Premiership title hopes.
The match featured several disputed decisions, with one incident involving Rangers winger Djeidi Gassama becoming the main talking point after the final whistle. Rangers’ manager Danny Rohl felt his side should have been awarded a penalty, arguing that there was enough contact in the build-up to justify a spot-kick.
However, match official Kevin Clancy ruled differently during the game. He determined that the foul occurred outside the penalty area, meaning no penalty was awarded. The decision was not reviewed by VAR, despite suggestions that contact may have begun on or near the line, which would have made the situation more complex.
Opinions in the football community have since been divided. Some, including former referee Mark Clattenburg, suggested Rangers may have had a strong case for a penalty, believing the contact on Gassama could have warranted a different outcome. Others, however, disagreed entirely with that interpretation.
Stewart offered a sharply contrasting view during his analysis on Premier Sports. He dismissed the penalty claims and insisted that the challenge did not constitute a foul on the Rangers player. In a strongly worded reaction, he argued that the incident was being misinterpreted and suggested the foul was actually committed by Gassama rather than against him.
His comments sparked further debate, particularly given the already heated nature of the discussion surrounding the match. Many supporters and analysts have continued to question whether Rangers were denied a key opportunity that could have changed the direction of the game.
Rangers had fallen behind 2-0 before staging a comeback to level the match, but ultimately could not secure a result. Some observers believe that had a penalty been awarded and converted earlier, the momentum of the game may have shifted in their favour.
The controversy adds another layer to a frustrating night for Rangers, who now face increased pressure in their remaining fixtures. Attention will quickly turn to their upcoming clash against Hearts, where a response will be expected as they look to recover from a damaging defeat.
