Rangers news: Ex-Fifa official verdict on Ryan Jack controversy as extended ban confirmed
Keith Hackett has claimed referee Willie Collum was right to dismiss St Johnstone’s Nicky Clark for his challenge on Rangers ace Ryan Jack.
The ex-Fifa and Premier League referee was speaking exclusively to Football Insider in the aftermath of the Gers’ ill-tempered 2-0 win over the Saints on Saturday (28 January).
As seen in footage from the Sky Sports Scotland Twitter account (28 January), Clark was red-carded by referee Willie Collum after a two-footage lunge on Rangers star Ryan Jack.
VAR official Nick Walsh upheld Collum’s decision after a video review.
Clark will now be suspended for games against Motherwell and Celtic.
Jack may consider himself lucky to have avoided a red card of his own just minutes later, following a forceful challenge on Adam Montgomery.
Rangers went on to win the game 2-0 at Ibrox through goals from James Tavernier and Glen Kamara.
The Gers remain nine points adrift of rivals Celtic atop the Scottish Premiership.
Hackett told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “This was a very experienced referee, and I think he was right not to rush into an instant judgement.
“He gathered himself, and almost satisfied himself that it was a red card.
“It looked harsh on first viewing, but he was in a good position – and I think it was the right decision.
“The process wasn’t clear, he could have had someone whispering in his ear through the VAR – but I think he came to the right decision.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Rangers agree terms with Championship star after new bid update.