STV pundit criticises referee decision in Rangers vs Hearts clash as Jambos left frustrated

Rangers and Heart of Midlothian served up a pulsating Scottish Premiership showdown at Ibrox on Sunday — one that has blown the title race wide open.

Rangers 4-2 Hearts as Chermiti swings momentum

Despite travelling to Glasgow without key figures such as Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin and Stephen Kingsley, Hearts made a real contest of it.

However, a sensational second-half hat-trick from Youssef Chermiti powered Rangers to a 4-2 victory, cutting Hearts’ lead at the top to just two points. With Celtic only a further point behind, the title picture has tightened dramatically.

The drama began early when Hearts lost right-back Oisin McEntee to a shoulder injury, forcing an early reshuffle. The visitors struck first through Marc Leonard, who punished a defensive error before blasting beyond Jack Butland.

Rangers responded swiftly in chaotic fashion, as Chermiti’s initial header was saved and the rebound eventually deflected into the net via a Hearts defender. Braga then restored the visitors’ advantage with a powerful header before Chermiti levelled once more ahead of the break.

After half-time, Rangers seized control. Chermiti nodded home from an Andreas Skov Olsen delivery to put the hosts ahead, before completing his treble in stoppage time following a sharp counter-attack.

Pundit highlights controversial moment

Despite Rangers’ dominance in the second half, controversy emerged. STV Radio pundit Ewen Cameron claimed officials missed a significant call involving Andreas Skov Olsen.

Skov Olsen had already been booked for diving in the first half. Cameron pointed out that a similar incident in the second period went unpunished — with the referee instead awarding Rangers a free-kick. Had another dive been penalised, the winger would have faced a second yellow card and dismissal.

Cameron posted:
“Skov Olsen got booked for diving in the 1st half.
Skov Olsen dived in the 2nd half. What was the decision? Free kick Rangers.”

While it is impossible to predict how a red card might have altered proceedings, Rangers were widely viewed as deserved winners based on their second-half display.

With the gap at the top narrowing and momentum shifting once again, the Scottish Premiership is set up for a gripping conclusion.