Ex-Fifa official: James Sands should get extended ban as controversial Rangers footage analysed
James Sands should have been shown a straight red card as Rangers beat Ross County 4-0 on Saturday (27 August), according to Keith Hackett.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Fifa and Premier League referee claimed Don Robertson was too far away from play to make the decision.
Sands, who was already on a yellow card, brought down Jordy Hiwula early on in the first half when a ball was played in behind the Rangers defence.
Robertson, who was well inside the Ross County half, did not blow his whistle and the game was allowed to play on with the scores level at the time.
“It’s a standalone red card,” Hackett said after analysing the footage with Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Although there may be a view that the distance from ball influenced it. But he’s fouled him and denied a promising attack, if he’s not denied a goalscoring opportunity, it’s a second yellow and he’s going.
“For me, it’s a straight red.
“He’s so far behind play which is unusual for a Scottish referee and there’s no VAR.
“That is a foul, it doesn’t matter about the level of foul. That player should have been shown a straight red card.
“He’s fouled his opponent, it doesn’t matter if it’s cynical or whatever, it’s a foul.”
A straight red card would have seen Sands banned for Rangers’ next three domestic matches.
They are next in action on Tuesday (30 August) when they travel to Queen of the South in the League Cup.
In other news, Rangers have been tipped to agree a “big” Ryan Kent deal after a £25million development.