Mike Dean disgusted by Motherwell vs Rangers incident: ‘Terrible, awful’
Mike Dean had no doubts about Lukas Fadinger’s red-card challenge during Rangers’ 1-1 draw with Motherwell at Fir Park.
The former Premier League referee was critical of the initial on-field decision after Fadinger caught Mikey Moore in the second half. Referee Steven McLean originally produced a yellow card, but VAR intervened and upgraded the punishment to a dismissal.
Dean believed that was the correct outcome.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News, he said: “It’s an awful challenge. It’s speed, intensity — even though it’s low, the studs have gone into his ankle. It’s a terrible challenge.
“Correctly, VAR has got involved. It’s a red card. 100 per cent correct decision.”
Motherwell had been on top for much of the second half and may feel they could have taken all three points had they kept 11 men on the pitch. Nicolas Raskin had given Rangers an early lead, but Celtic loanee Stephen Welsh struck late to earn the Steelmen a point.
For Rangers, the frustration will be greater given they played the final 15 minutes with a numerical advantage yet failed to capitalise.
Second-half struggles prove costly
The statistics underline the problem. Rangers managed just 36 per cent possession after the break and failed to create a single clear-cut opportunity in the final 45 minutes — not the return of a side chasing the Scottish Premiership title.
Youssef Chermiti’s first-half miss will now come under scrutiny, while questions may also be asked about the timing of substitutions, with changes arriving too late to shift momentum.
As Motherwell grew in confidence, Rangers faded. The late equaliser — coupled with Celtic securing victory elsewhere — made it a damaging night in the title race.
It is back to the drawing board for Danny Rohl’s side, who once again found Fir Park an unforgiving venue.
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