Motherwell midfielder Andy Halliday has rejected claims that teammate Dan Casey should’ve saw red for a horror tackle on Rangers winger Ross McCausland.
The young Northern Irishman left Ibrox on crutches after Dan Casey – who went on to score the winner in the match – flew into a reckless first half challenge.
The moment drew the post-match ire of manager Philippe Clement, who claimed Dan Casey “kicked” Ross McCausland off the pitch.
Since then, ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has expressed his disbelief that a red card wasn’t shown, but Andy Halliday has different ideas.
Andy Halliday defends Dan Casey tackle
Referring to Dujon Sterling’s questionable red card v Aberdeen, the Motherwell midfielder leapt to the defence of his teammate.
Claiming that the tackle only merited a yellow card, Andy Halliday’s comments might curry favour with Dan Casey but they certainly won’t with Rangers supporters.
Ibrox fans have been left furious over the challenge, which was recklessly ill-judged at best.
“It’s a difficult one for me,” said Andy Halliday, speaking on Clyde Superscoreboard. “I remember when Dujon Sterling was sent off for a similar incident.
“I defended him, I think it’s similar in terms of the force that they’ve both went into the tackle which was a big talking point from Dujon Sterling’s tackle and a big talking point from Dan Casey’s.
“I think a yellow card was the right decision for Dan. When you actually watch the footage Dan wins the ball, his follow through takes him through, and I don’t think the follow through with Ross McCausland is that (bad).
“Is it excessive force? Yeah, it is, but it’s not something I like using as a sort of barometer but I know referees do. Ultimately a yellow card was the right decision.”
Ross McCausland kicked off Rangers pitch
Rangers have had a number of key players kicked off the park this season, with Ross McCausland having his bright season interrupted by a shocking challenge.
Dan Casey can be as happy as he likes about scoring the winner, and Andy Halliday can protect his teammate, but it’s this normalisation of brutality which brings Scottish football down.
Rangers have lost Danilo and Todd Cantwell to bruising challenges as referees fail to protect the actual footballers in the nation’s game and by proxy those in the Ibrox squad.
Anyone in their right mind who is watching their fellow professionals have seasons ruined without protection from referees would surely think twice about moving here.
There’s an unspoken sentiment that lesser sides are allowed to be over-physical with more talented players so they can balance the scales in Scotland.
This is yet another example of it and everyone associated with the challenge should be disappointed with the outcome.
A talented young winger in Ross McCausland is now facing a lengthy lay-off and the game is starved of one of its brightest talents for what exactly?
