Dujon Sterling Rangers red card ‘tough call’ as ex referee has say on decision and Connor Goldson handball shouts.

The Ibrox midfielder received a straight red for a foul against Aberdeen.

Bobby Madden admitted it was a “tough call” to send off Rangers’ Dujon Sterling against Aberdeen, but would have gone on the side of caution.

The Ibrox midfielder received a straight red card for a lunging foul on Jack Mackenzie during their 2-1 win in Glasgow. However, the club has filed an appeal with the Scottish FA, which will be heard later today. Referee Don Robertson dismissed the player despite a VAR review, and the former Stoke City loanee received an early shower.

Madden understands how challenging it must have been for his colleague to deal with Sterling’s sudden arrival. However, he believes it might have easily been a yellow card, despite the fact that the sending off was not entirely wrong.

“This is mine: A red card is handed live, and the VAR advises an on-field review, with the referee standing by the initial decision. This is a tough decision. You cannot focus solely on the site of contact. Yes, that is on the top of the foot, but speed, intensity, and the opportunity to play ball must also be addressed.

“If pushed, I would advise caution; nonetheless, there are components to justify a red card, so I feel the referee’s decision should be upheld with no VAR review requested.

“There will always be subjective decisions, with VAR or not, and we need to move away from re-refereeing games.”

Connor Goldson had two handball claims against him during the game, but Madden believes none were punishable.

“Two claims for handball [against Goldson], nothing awarded, and no on-field review. Ignore the fact that a foul was awarded between the incidences and consider them on their own merits. According to existing criteria, both incidents are not punishable.

“In the first, the arm is in a natural position for the action, the distance is short, and it would strike the body if not the arm.

“For the second, the defender is falling to the ground at a short distance, with his arm reaching out to assist him.

“Hopefully one day people will realise that not every ball contact with hand/arm is punishable.”

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