BBC Sportscene pundit backs David Martindale over Rangers opener v Livingston.
Neil McCann stated he feels for David Martindale because he agrees with the Livingston manager on the Rangers’ opening against Livingston.
The BBC analyst responded live on BBC Sportscene on 3 February when Connor Goldson’s challenge in the build-up to Fabio Silva’s opener in the 3-0 win survived a VAR check, leaving the Livi manager perplexed.
The Gers defender looked to make touch with his boot in the air at a corner when jumping against David Carson, and the ball fell to the Wolves loanee, who scored his first goal for the club.
After the game, Martindale told BBC Sport that Goldson landed on David Carson’s thigh due to his high footwork.
“He’s not meant to catch our player, he’s just tried to get a contact on the ball, but we were really surprised, if I’m honest, really surprised that the goal stood.”
McCann commented (8.03pm): “They did get a bit of fortune, and I actually feel for Davie Martindale because I agree with him…”
“I think [John Beaton] is staring right at that. Connor Goldson is off his feet and he studs Davie Carson, he’s a brave a boy, he puts his head in there but you can see he’s shrinking because he can see a big boot coming towards his head.
“He doesn’t get the desired clearance. It drops to Fabio Silva and it ends up taking a little nick on its way into the net. But I think it’s impeded him. You can see David showing his thigh, he’s got a score down his thigh, but it could have been his face.”
“I don’t understand why [Beaton] wasn’t asked to go and have a look at that by the VAR team, but they’ve just decided it’s not a clear and obvious error and the goal should stand.”
Martindale backed by McCann over Goldson role in Silva goal for Rangers
Goldson was lucky with that one as there were two contacts with his boot that did seem to impede Carson, so the fact that the VAR checked it and decided not to recommend a review was a surprise.
The Light Blues controlled possession on a day when Livi presented little threat in the opposite direction, and they used that advantage to break the stalemate late in the first half.
With Rabbi Matondo’s deflected second goal and Rangers players threatening throughout the match, Philippe Clement’s side would have most certainly prevailed. However, it is hard to know for certain, so it was fortunate.
Martindale was understandably upset, but it was a very positive development for Silva, who was able to cap an impressive performance with a goal.
Despite the lack of a striker in the January window, the young Portuguese forward demonstrated his ability to lead the line in lieu of Cyriel Dessers, indicating his potential as a number nine.
As Celtic dropped points at Aberdeen in the early kickoff, Rangers’ success at Ibrox moved them within three points of the top spot with a game in hand, keeping the pressure on the transfer market.
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