Rangers receive new VAR verdict after Djeidi Gassama penalty controversy against Dundee

Rangers receive new VAR verdict after Djeidi Gassama penalty controversy against Dundee

The winger won a late spot kick at Ibrox which James Tavernier netted to make it 1-1

(Image: Getty Images)

Rangers have been told that VAR should have stepped in after Djeidi Gassama won a penalty during a late rescue mission against Dundee.

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The winger cut inside Drey Wright late in the Scottish Premiership clash and went down under pressure from the full-back in the box - allowing James Tavernier to cancel out Ryan Astley’s header from 12 yards.

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The home side had already been reduced to 10 men after Nasser Djiga brought Fin Robertson as he closed in on Jack Butland's goal - while Cyriel Dessers last goal was chalked off by the team in Clydesdale House.

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And the Sportscene panel insists referee Don Robertson should have been sent to the pitchside monitor to review the challenge on the 21-year-old.

Former Ibrox striker Stephen Thompson said: "I'm not having it. I don't think it is. I think Gassama plays for it; he feels contact and throws himself.

"Yes, there is a wee bit of contact, which you would expect but he feels it and throws himself to the ground. I'm surprised VAR agreed it was a penalty kick."

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And Gordon Smith added: "I think if VAR had intervened there is a good chance it was disallowed."

But Ian McCall reckons that the flashpoint started before the contact between Wright and the boot of the Rangers' attacker.

Offering a defence of whistler Robertson and the VAR team, he said: "Our view from here is that he certainly looked like he clipped him, and it looked like there may be a wee incident before it - a shirt pull."

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Djiga was also offered a defence by former Light Blues' striker Smith, who insisted the Wolves loanee had not intended the last-ditch contract before seeing ref.

Nasser Djiga after being sent off (Image: Getty Images)

Smith said: "(It) Could be looked at as harsh in one respect

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"He wasn't complaining about being sent off which was a bit of a surprise, because I think he did make contact with him but I don't think he was trying to bring him down."

Thompson interjected: "No, he wasn't trying to bring him down but he makes contact and he's last man, denying a goalscoring opportunity."

But he was not as forgiving of Dessers - after the striker was denied a late winner in injury time by the offside flag.

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He said "It was bad striking. He has moved too quickly."

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