Ex-Fifa official issues ‘venomous’ John Lundstram verdict after BBC update on Rangers controversy
Keith Hackett has backed referee Willie Collum’s decision to send off Rangers midfielder John Lundstram at Hibernian on Saturday.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Fifa and Premier League referee said there was “venom” and “malice” in the 28-year-old’s challenge.
As shown on Sky Sports (20 August), Lundstram was shown a straight red card from referee Willie Collum after a cynical foul on Hibs striker Martin Boyle.
Gers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst was left fuming with the decision which ultimately cost his side all three points at Easter Road.
As reported by BBC (22 August), Rangers have appealed the red card although a date is yet to be set for the fast-track hearing.
When asked by Football Insider if the incident was comparable to Kieran Trippier’s overturned red card at Newcastle United, Hackett said: “I think this one is a red card.
“This has got a bit of venom in it. As referees we look for the malice in the challenge. I think there is a bit of malice in this one.
“I do not think there was malice in the Trippier one. It is an observation worth making though.
“I think the referee was right to send Lundstram off. He could not give him the benefit of the doubt. He was directly behind him as well.”
The 2-2 draw at Hibernian ends Rangers’ 100 per cent start to the 2022-23 Scottish Premiership campaign.
The Light Blues trail league-leaders Celtic by two points in the table.
In other news, Alan Hutton is ‘surprised’ by Rangers after Nikola Katic transfer update.