Rangers news: Hutton slams Fabio Silva for ‘annoying’ antics against Celtic
Fabio Silva’s dive against Celtic was “annoying” and Rangers should not have been given a penalty.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Gers and Tottenham defender Alan Hutton slaughtered Silva, 21, for “throwing himself to the ground” to win the crucial spot-kick against the Hoops on Sunday (7 April).
Ibrox was witness to an Old Firm classic in the 3-3 draw, but the Wolves loanee drew criticism for seemingly making his way to the ground before Celtic defender Alistair Johnston made contact with him in the box.
Captain James Tavernier converted the subsequent penalty in the 55th minute to halve Celtic’s advantage and make it 2-1 after referee John Beaton initially gave Silva a yellow card for simulation.
Fabio Silva ‘annoying’ during Old Firm thriller – Hutton
Following a VAR check and Beaton rewatching the incident on the touchline, a penalty was awarded.
Hutton was far from impressed with the striker’s antics and was adamant that Johnston would feel “unlucky” to have conceded the penalty in such a manner.
“I feel for Alistair Johnston,” he told Football Insider.
“I’m a full-back, so I take that into consideration!
“Everyone knows that I support Rangers, but I still try to see it the way it should be seen.
“I think Johnston gets a nick on the ball, so from a defender’s point of view, he touches the ball first.
“I didn’t think it was a penalty.
“I think Beaton gets it right with his first decision but when asked to look at the monitor, you’re always thinking whether you’ve made a mistake.
“Where you see Johnston’s leg, he flicks the ball and then his leg hits Silva’s thigh.
“That’s the only reason I can see as to why Beaton gave it – because he sees the contact.
“All day, Fabio Silva was throwing himself to the ground and it was getting a little bit annoying.
“Overall, Johnston will feel unlucky because he did get the ball first.”
In other news, Rangers could now complete permanent deal for on-loan star after £20m reveal.
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