Andy Halliday was sent off after the final whistle during the recent Old Firm.
His second yellow card came after he reacted to Scott Brown’s goading of the Rangers fans.
The clash between those two players sparked a melee which saw both sides charged by the SFA for failing to control their players.
Afterward, pundits like Lee McCulloch [
Evening Times] and Michael Stewart [BBC Sportsound as quoted by Football Scotland] bizarrely criticised Halliday’s actions. On the other hand, his manager showed sympathy for him [The Herald].
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At the time, though, the only repercussions for the player himself appeared to be a one-match ban.
That was served against Hearts three days later.
Yet, the effects have proven more significant than that.
Flanagan takes his chance
With Halliday suspended and Borna Barisic out with a hamstring injury, Jon Flanagan was called upon against Hearts.
After a string of poor performances earlier in the season, few would have expected him to come in and do a good job.
Yet, the-ex Liverpool man put in a solid shift at left-back in his first SPL start since the December defeat to Aberdeen.
Therefore, he was retained against Motherwell, despite Halliday being available again.
The latter was given a cameo appearance which saw him bring up an impressive Rangers milestone.
However, he now faces an unexpected battle to win his place in the side back, with Flanagan earning praise from his manager after the weekend win.
Furthermore, a week off before the post-split fixtures begin will take Borna Barisic closer to full fitness.
