EXCLUSIVE; Bobby Madden reacts to Rangers controversy v Hibernian after Ibrox incident.

Rangers defender Jon Souttar’s penalty for handball against Hibernian on Sunday, September 29, was “100 percent correct,” according to Bobby Madden.

On September 29, a former FIFA referee shared his thoughts on the disputed penalty awarded to Hibs late in the first half after a scruffy shot hit Souttar’s elbow.

Jack Butland saved Mykola Kuharevich’s attempt to give his team a 1-0 victory, and Madden felt that while the judgment was accurate, cries for Souttar to be sent off were incorrect.

He stated, “The penalty is 100% correct. No doubt.

“I see some blinkered people demanding a red card for denying a goal; unlike Motherwell yesterday, the goalie was in position to make a stop. Quite easy, actually.”

Rangers overcome the Hibernian dispute.

The Gers’ long-awaited return to the Scottish Premiership at Ibrox was intended to be a celebration after months of uncertainty, but it turned out to be a nerve-racking experience for everyone.

Philippe Clement’s team won with a first-half goal from Tom Lawrence, his second in as many league games. However, Hibs pushed the Gers throughout.

Butland’s save on Kuharevich’s penalty, which spared Souttar’s blushes, demonstrates that, despite another three points, the Gers are far from done.

Had on-field referee Nick Walsh or VAR official Graham Grainger been of the “blinkered” opinion that Souttar should have earned red, the second half may have turned out very differently.

But Souttar stayed, and having helped weather the visitors’ storm to secure a fourth successive win and clean sheet since the international break, Clement has a lot to be happy about.

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