Ex-FIFA ref analyses 'reckless' Cyriel Dessers incident in Rangers v Dundee

Cyriel Dessers deservedly received a yellow card for his "reckless" actions during Rangers' frustrating draw with Dundee, according to Keith Hackett.

The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that, while the malice shown was not enough to warrant a red card, referee Don Robertson was right to intervene on Saturday, 9 August.

Russell Martin has quickly come under pressure at Ibrox, becoming the first Gers manager in 36 years not to win either of his first two games of the Scottish Premiership season.

The new owners, bringing a wealth of knowledge and influx of cash, were greeted by excited fans, but frustrations are at an all-time high as the manager attempts to rebuild the squad this summer.

Rangers continue faltering start under Russell Martin

This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

Football Insider understands that Rangers are lining up a £13million deal for Kassoum Ouattara, and that might be vital after Nasser Djiga's straight red card during the 1-1 draw against Dundee.

Despite the sending off, James Tavernier was given the chance to equalise from the penalty spot in the second minute of added time before Dessers had a winner disallowed for offside.

The 30-year-old was clearly frustrated by the lack of service to him, even before the ruled-out goal, taking his anger out on opposition defender Luke Graham and picking up a caution in the process.

With no chance of latching onto a pass through, the striker smashed into the centre-half, leaving him crumpled on the floor, and Dundee supporters chanting for him to be sent off instead.

Cyriel Dessers punished as frustrations grow

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the striker's actions, the former referee said: “I think a yellow card was the right decision – I have no doubts. There was not the level of malice in the challenge to warrant a red, but his actions were reckless. 

“I don’t think there was enough foul play, so the referee was right to stick with a yellow, and that’s good to see. Sometimes referees ignore those. He’s definitely followed through, and he’s frustrated."