Exclusive: ‘Nico Raskin to be sanctioned over major Hibs v Rangers controversy’
Nico Raskin is likely to face punishment from the Scottish Football Association after a controversial incident between Hibernian and Rangers, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the Belgian’s social media posts following a “ghost goal” in the 2-2 draw on Saturday, 17 May, could land him in hot water.
In the Gers’ final game of the Scottish Premiership campaign, Cyriel Dessers got his side up and running after just two minutes, and Raskin should have doubled the lead 13 minutes later.
However, with goalline technology not in use at Easter Road Stadium, referee Nick Walsh was unable to award the goal, with Kieron Bowie dragging the home side on even terms just moments later.
Raskin finally hit the back of the net in the second half, but with Martin Boyle scoring another equaliser for Hibs, Barry Ferguson‘s side were forced to settle for a point on the road.
Nick Walsh suffers shock refereeing performance at Easter Road
Hackett already slammed Walsh’s refereeing after Neraysho Kasanwirjo avoided a red card for Rangers, having picked up a caution on the hour mark for a crunching challenge.
After multiple clear errors in the Scottish Premiership clash, many supporters made their feelings known about the decisions at Easter Road Stadium, and so too did the one Gers player involved in the incident.
The 24-year-old took to X to showcase his displeasure (17 May), writing: “Not a good image. No goal then… Play on, boys,” with grimacing emojis, captioning a still image of the ball crossing the line.
Raskin, who Leeds United are interested in this summer, Football Insider understands, also shared a similar post on his Instagram story, and now faces a potential sanction from the SFA.
Rangers star risks SFA sanction after online outburst at controversy
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Raskin’s social media post, the former referee said:
“When you look at this still photo, it looks like the ball is over the line. However, I reiterate that you cannot guess on a factual decision.
“I can understand the player’s frustration, but he is likely to be sanctioned by the SFA.”
The Belgian, who earned his international debut just this season, could be one player who departs Ibrox once the summer transfer window opens, so this would be an interesting way to bow out.
Following the 2-2 draw, the Light Blues have finished 17 points behind their Old Firm rivals, Celtic, in the Scottish Premiership table.