Clement details ref chat over Sterling Rangers red and ‘smack in face’
The conversation Philippe Clement had with referee Don Robertson following the Rangers vs. Aberdeen game has been made public.
The Ibrox manager further clarified that he was seeking explanations on the red card for Dujon Sterling’s challenge to Jack
Mackenzie and Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes’ purported “smack in the face” of Connor Goldson.
Despite being called to the pitchside monitor following a VAR review, Robertson remained with his on-field decision, even though
the Rangers manager thought Sterling’s red card was harsh.
The decision to not award Duk a red card for colliding with Goldson during a second-half header contest left Clement feeling just
as resentful. The attacker received a booking.
“In my opinion, Dujon slipped in that moment and he touched the opponent’s toes,” Clement said on Sky Sports.
Well, it’s definitely a yellow card, but there will be a lot of red cards if you give them out for touching their opponent’s toes.
“Then again, I think Connor Goldson deserves a red in the face, but I also know that officiating is the hardest job in the world.
I wouldn’t want to occupy their position.”
In response to more questions over the BBC’s choice to show Clement a red card, he stated, “It feels like the referee makes the final decision.” Those are the regulations of the game.
“I was merely curious about his thoughts because it seems to me that he trips and lands on the opponent’s toes rather than their ankle or leg.
“It’s a pretty harsh red card, and I believe that’s also why they asked him to come look at the monitor—VAR shared their opinion.”
“At the end it is referees who decide and we need to follow that.”
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