Exclusive: Nick Walsh slammed as Kasanwirjo escapes red card in Rangers v Hibs
Keith Hackett was less than impressed with Nick Walsh’s decision to only show Neraysho Kasanwirjo a yellow card for his two-footed lunge on Chris Cadden.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the VAR failed the referee by not intervening after the Dutchman’s reckless challenge.
Barry Ferguson remains in the hunt for the Rangers job permanently, but was forced to watch as Hibernian twice came from behind to claim a 2-2 draw in what could be his last game in charge of the Glaswegian side.
Rangers were guilty of missing several good opportunities, but the Bears had every right to be frustrated after Nico Raskin‘s effort went over the goal line [Ibrox News], but it was missed by both Walsh and his assistants.
But for all their frustrations with the officials, Ferguson‘s side were fortunate to keep 10 men on the pitch after Kasanwirjo fouled Cadden in the 59th minute.
Neraysho Kasanwirjo escapes red card after two-footed challenge
An hour into the lively match between the two sides, and with Rangers leading 2-1, the ball bounced towards Cadden, who looked to clear his lines.
With more than a hint of malice, Kasanwirjo jumped, and then stamped down on the wingbacks foot in a two-footed challenge.
Cadden rolled to the ground, and Hibernian‘s players responded in kind, surrounding the Dutch fullback whilst simultaneously remonstrating with the referee.
Giving himself pause, Walsh surveyed the maelstrom before dishing out a yellow card to Kasanwirjo and Hibs midfielder Nathan Moriah-Welsh for his part in the ensuing clash between the players.
Keith Hackett gives verdict on Neraysho Kasanwirjo challenge
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett was categorical in his opinion that the challenge deserved a red card, and that VAR should have intervened to overrule Walsh’s on-field decision.
He said: “The action of a two-footed challenge by the Rangers player is sufficient to meet the law on serious foul play.
“This is a red card offence and VAR should have intervened and sent the referee to the monitor.
“The player who committed the offence [Kasanwirjo] launched himself with two feet off the ground in a stamping action.
| Match stats | Hibernian | Rangers |
| Possession | 35% | 65% |
| Shots (on target) | 8 (3) | 21 (10) |
| Expected goals | 1.29 xG | 2.43 xG |
| Big chances (missed) | 3 (1) | 4 (2) |
| Corners | 3 | 13 |
“It was done with excessive force and endangered the safety of the Hibs player [Cadden].
“Easy red card, a poor decision by the officials.”