In most sports, actions have consequences and the level of officiating in Scottish football has clearly played a part in Rangers having to make do without Todd Cantwell for the next few weeks.
A hamstring strain is said to be the cause of his absence and it is only luck that sees Gers boss Philippe Clement not have to cope without his mercurial playmaker for longer.
Against St Johnstone last weekend, you could almost see it coming and it was only a surprise that the Rangers manager kept Todd Cantwell on the pitch for as long as he did.
Rangers injury blow not a surprise after Todd Cantwell treatment
The players hadn’t even broken a sweat when Cantwell was caught late with a tackle on his ankle, the first of many that would have left him with a few stud marks.
Officials might prefer not to brandish yellow cards too quickly but Scottish footbal is now without one of its most exciting and technically gifted players because of how physical St Johnstone were allowed to be.
Craig Levein’s men seemed to take it in turns to clatter the 25-year old Ibrox favourite.
St Johnstone committed 24 fouls and recieved just three yellow cards.
Cantwell in particular was fouled six times.
None of these fouls seemed to be the direct reason for him having to come off injured but, on a poor playing surface where players were losing their footing, it all adds up and, sooner or later, something has to give.
Philippe Clement has played down Rangers having to make do without Todd Cantwell for a while and there will be opportunities for others to shine but something has to be said about the number of games that have been missed by our players due to officials letting players off with bookable offences.
If other Scottish clubs are to improve in Europe, a good start would be to play to the same laws as those on the continent do.
Don’t allow one free hit or not book a player because it is too early.
It’s not the 1980s anymore and it’s time we left the dark ages behind.
