Exclusive: Ex-PGMOL boss amazed after controversial Dundee goal vs Rangers
Dundee should have their opening goal in their Scottish Premiership thriller with Rangers ruled out, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider he couldn’t believe the Gers did not appeal more for a push on Mohamed Diomande as Simon Murray turned home a corner.
Rangers claimed a dramatic 4-3 win over Dundee at Dens Park on Saturday (29 March), meaning they remain 13 points behind Celtic in the title race.
In doing so, Barry Ferguson further enhanced his case to be given Rangers manager job on a permanent basis.
However, his side had to overcome some early setbacks in order to claim this latest win, although one of those should seemingly not have been allowed to stand.
Mohammed Diomande impeded as Dundee go in front
It took Dundee just 90 seconds to go 1-0 up against the ‘Gers in this game, as Murray continued his excellent season to volley home a Finlay Robertson corner.
Replays though, showed that as the corner was sent into the box, Rangers midfielder Diomande was hauled to the ground from behind by Dundee defender Joe Shaughnessy.
| Rangers games with Barry Ferguson as interim manager | Result |
| Kilmarnock (A) | Won 4-2 |
| Motherwell (H) | Lost 2-1 |
| Fenerbahce (A) | Won 3-1 |
| Fenerbahce (H) | Lost 2-0 (won 3-2 on penalties) |
| Celtic (A) | Won 3-2 |
| Dundee (A) | Won 4-3 |
That ensured Murray had a clear line of sight and trajectory to make contact with the ball and guide it into the back of Jack Butland‘s net.
With few appeals from Rangers over that challenge on Diomande, the goal was ultimately allowed to stand.
Hackett though, feels that action should have been taken to rule it out as a result of that clash in the penalty area.
‘Rangers unfortunate over Simon Murray goal’ – Keith Hackett
After being asked by Football Insider whether there should have been enough in that challenge on Diomande from Shaughnessy to disallow the Dundee goal, Hackett said:
“I they’re lucky that the goal was allowed. I think the attacker knows exactly that he’s taking that player out.
“What amazes me is that the player [Diomande] doesn’t make a stronger appeal, a movement towards the referee.
“All the factors are not promoting the idea of disputing the referee’s decision. But I think if you’ve been fouled and you’ve been brought down in that manner, you’re going to be unhappy, particularly if the ball hits the back of the net.
“So I think Dundee are fortunate that their goal wasn’t ruled out and VAR didn’t intervene. They’ve probably not picked up on it.”
Having come back from a 2-0 deficit to claim that win, Rangers are next in action when they host Hibernian on Saturday (5 April).
Dundee meanwhile remain 11th in the Scottish Premiership, five points clear of bottom side St Johnstone, and one point behind Kilmarnock in tenth ahead of a clash with St Mirren next week.