Rangers star Ryan Jack has criticised referee Willie Collum for failing to even award a free-kick for a dangerous tackle on him by Hearts star Beni Baningime.
The Scotland international midfielder took to his Instagram story to point out the dangerous challenge which saw Jack go over his ankle on his return to the starting XI.
Willie Collum has found himself at the centre of run-ins with Rangers in the past and his officiating in the 5-0 win over Hearts has come in for much criticism in the aftermath of the result.
Whistle-happy, Collum ran the risk of losing control of the match by failing to clamp down on a series of Jambos challenges which were ultimately outside the rules of the game.
Whilst Rangers won the game convincingly, it’s perhaps more apt to highlight the unacceptable level of officiating now than after defeat and Willie Collum has been resoundingly criticised ever since.
This challenge on Ryan Jack takes on greater significance when you consider that the midfielder is only just returning from a lengthy injury absence.
Not to mention that Leon Balogun yellow card when the Nigerian international got the ball.
Willie Collum criticised by returning Rangers star Ryan Jack
Surgery on a calf problem and various setbacks along the way means the win over Hearts was Ryan Jack’s first Rangers start since the 4-1 win over Dundee United in February 2021.
Refereeing such as that we seen against Hearts does little to protect players and we don’t blame Ryan Jack for going public with his frustrations.
For too long rival sides are allowed to level the playing field with Rangers by employing over-physical and patently illegal fouling tactics and the onus is on the referee to control it better.
Over to you Willie Collum; these are decisions referees must get right and far from take the criticism personally, or dish it out overzealously, it’s about improving the game and protecting the players.
Meanwhile, a former England youth international remains in Rangers’ plans despite links to a team of Premier League hopefuls in January.
