Rangers got back to winning ways with victory against Hearts at the Tyncecastle – but it was far from convincing.
And those in the home end were left fuming after referee John Beaton waved away claims for a penalty after Clinton Nsiala challenged James Wilson in the area when the game was delicately poised at 1-1, with Philippe Clement’s men then hitting on the break and Vaclav Cerny giving the Glasgow side a 2-1 lead. A second own goal of the afternoon from Hearts’ defender Jamie McCart compounded the home side’s misery.
Speaking on commentary for Sky Sports former Hearts and Rangers winger Neil McCann felt that the Gorgie side had a reason to feel aggrieved. He said: “In hindsight there are two big hands on his back. I thought it was shoulder to shoulder, but there are two big hands on his back and what, 40 seconds later, the ball ends up in the back of the Hearts’ net. He might’ve had a call there. VAR didn’t get involved, they must’ve thought that John Beaton’s on field decision merited just being that and not overruled.”
However pundits Chris Sutton and Kris Boyd shocked host Eilidh Barbour by showing a rare united front, as both agreed with Beaton’s decision to way away appeals. Celtic hero Sutton said: “There has to be sufficient contact for Wilson to hit the deck, and I think he tied to buy that one. That’s not a penalty if that’s what you’re asking.
“It’s then an easy finish for someone of Cerny’s quality and Rangers, probably undeserved because Hearts had the better chances in the game, are back in front. But whatever anybody says about Rangers’ performance, Hearts were the better team but Rangers got the job done. And that’s what it’s all about.”
Whilst Rangers’ goal-machine Boyd: “It’s not a penalty. Not for me.” Presenter Barbour joked: “So we’re all in agreement, what has happened?” Neither Hearts boss Neil Critchley nor Rangers manager Philippe Clement commented on the incident post-match, with both gaffers saying they didn’t have a clear view of the clash.