Former referees’ chief Keith Hackett believes Jacob Devaney was fortunate to avoid punishment for his first-half challenge on Youssef Chermiti during Rangers F.C.’s win against St Mirren F.C..
Rangers secured a narrow 1–0 victory in Paisley, a result that keeps them firmly in the Scottish Premiership title race.
The opening half featured several strong tackles, including a heavy challenge from Devaney on Chermiti that went unpunished by referee Steven McLean.
As seen in the footage, Devaney went in forcefully on Chermiti and failed to make contact with the ball. Chermiti was left on the ground in discomfort, yet McLean opted against showing a card to the St Mirren player.
After reviewing the incident, Hackett told Ibrox News that the challenge warranted disciplinary action.
“This was a reckless tackle and should have resulted in a yellow card,” he said, adding that the referee likely did not have the best angle to judge the incident clearly.
Despite the controversy, Rangers boss Danny Röhl will ultimately be pleased his side came away with all three points, even if the performance itself left much to be desired.
The visitors struggled to put the match to bed after Tuur Rommens opened the scoring just past the half-hour mark. Rangers created several opportunities to extend their lead but lacked the finishing touch in the final third.
With the scoreline remaining tight, Rangers were always vulnerable to a late equaliser from St Mirren, although the home side failed to capitalise.
The win moves Röhl’s team within three points of league leaders Heart of Midlothian F.C. after Hearts slipped to defeat against Kilmarnock F.C. over the weekend, reigniting the title race.
However, Rangers will need to be far more clinical going forward if they want to keep pace at the top, with players such as Chermiti needing to deliver more in attack.
For now, attention turns to next weekend when Rangers host Aberdeen F.C. at Ibrox.
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