Andy Halliday has silenced shock jock debate surrounding a Rangers penalty award against Hibs.
Ibrox centre-back John Souttar was adjudged to have been fouled in the box by Australian defender Nectarios Triantis in the first half.
Referee David Dickinson initially missed the incident but it was picked up by VAR and Rangers were eventually awarded the spot-kick in the eventual 3-1 victory.
Whilst James Tavernier would miss the penalty, and Scott Wright’s follow up was marginally ruled out for encroachment, the fall-out has been predictably monumental.
Ex-Rangers star and Motherwell midfielder Andy Halliday has now given his two cents, and alongside ex-Premier League whistler Dermot Gallagher has silenced the “debate”.
Andy Halliday “surprised” by Rangers penalty debate
Speaking on Clyde Superscoreboard, Andy Halliday is clear that he believes the Hibs defender fouled John Souttar and that Rangers were justly awarded a penalty kick.
More than that, the 32-year-old finds the debate surrounding the incident “surprising” with Halliday believing the Ibrox call was “pretty clear cut”.
“I found (the debate) quite surprising,” said Andy Halliday. “I thought it was pretty clear cut to be honest with you.
“I think you can give the referee some sort of leeway, although he is in a decent position at the time. It happens all so quick, maybe he’s not seen the incident, but that’s what VAR is for.
“It’s one of them where as a player you do feel for Triantis because you know there’s no sort of intent there, he’s got his eyes on the ball.
“But as we know, intent doesn’t matter, and it’s a clear penalty for me.”
The view was echoed by Scottish Sun journalist Roger Hannah, who said: “It’s a penalty. He’s clumsy, he’s up, and you’re right, intent doesn’t matter, he’s too clumsy, he’s caught John Souttar. It’s a penalty.”
The Clyde Superscoreboard panel aren’t the only ones who believe David Dickinson was right to award Rangers a penalty v Hibs either.
Ex-Premier League whistler Dermot Gallagher has leapt to the defence of the refereeing team on Sky Sports Ref Watch (01/04/24, live on SSN), claiming the decision was “absolutely right”.
Shock jock Rangers penalty coverage silenced
The comments will unlikely make as many headlines as the depressing reaction to Rangers’ penalty against Hibs over the weekend.
Professional anti-Rangers whinger Michael Stewart’s hilarious meltdown over the penalty on BBC Sportsound has placed analysis of the incident at the centre of debate ahead of Old Firm week.
For some reason, Stewart’s childish reactions to Rangers appears to get plenty of attention and we really do not like having to quote this guy all the time.
It’s almost as bad as having to listen to him provide coverage of the game north of the border.
It’s a sad indictment of our footballing culture that rather than focus on the football, the comments of this type of pundit instead routinely grab headlines.
Hibs too – after a childish and unprofessional post on X – are facing disciplinary action from the SFA.
Referring to so-called Rangers penalty bingo, the Scottish Premiership club do appear to have breached the SPFL’s rules and we suspect the Ibrox side will be twisting some arms at Hampden.
All of this stuff feeds into a ridiculous narrative that Rangers are somehow benefitting from a deep-rooted conspiracy in the halls of Hampden.
It is a nonsense and embarrassment that discolours the analysis of any incidents surrounding Rangers but unfortunately for Andy Halliday, we don’t suspect talking sense will make any difference.
