Darren Bent rages over ‘unnatural’ Rangers controversy v Benfica live on talkSPORT.
Darren Bent was furious after John Souttar was sent off for a questionable handball judgment in Rangers’ 2-2 Europa League draw with Benfica on Thursday (7 March).
The 27-year-old was attempting to clear a cross when the ball struck his arm in the penalty area. Following a lengthy VAR review, the referee changed
his decision and pointed for a penalty kick.
Angel Di Maria crashed past Jack Butland in the Gers’ goal, canceling out Tom Lawrence’s early headed opening. Dujon Sterling restored the advantage, but Connor Goldson’s own goal made the score 2-2.
Bent reacted to the judgment live on talkSPORT on Friday (8 March, 4:15pm), saying: “How they give that as a penalty…” Oh my. His arm is just a half-inch away from his face, and they provide that?
“That is not a penalty. When you move to head the ball, your arm instinctively rises. They are expecting gamers to jump without utilizing their arms, which is unnatural.”
Can Rangers bypass Benfica in the Europa League?
Philippe Clement’s team failed to win in Portugal, resulting in a stalemate in the second leg at Ibrox on Thursday, March 14.
With Lawrence’ early opening, it appeared that the Gers would put the tie out of reach for Benfica. However, the controversial penalty ruling allowed them to immediately re-enter the game, lowering the team’s confidence marginally.
Ibrox will need to be at its best for the return leg, pushing the players to perform on one of the continent’s biggest stages, but the squad should be confident in their ability to win.
Benfica are obviously not to be overlooked, despite recent league losses to Sporting CP and FC Porto, with stars such as Di Maria, David Neres, Joao Neves, and Nicolas Otamendi.
Fans are delighted about the possibility of listing the Europa League trophy, but Clement will tell his side to focus on the task at hand.
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