Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Mon 6 April 2026 14:00, UK

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Thelo Aasgaard can count himself unlucky after picking up an early caution during Rangers‘ 4-2 win over Dundee United.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Vicko Sevelj pressured referee John Beaton into showing a card on Saturday, 4 April.

Ibrox was stunned when their No.11 was shown a yellow card in the 16th minute for a rogue elbow, with commentators questioning how the referee made the decision, only for visiting fans to want a red card.

He was eventually hooked in the 74th minute as Rangers beat Jim Goodwin’s side, having gotten on the scoresheet alongside Ryan Don Naderi, Dujon Sterling and Bojan Miovski.

John Beaton conned into cautioning Thelo Aasgaard at Ibrox

Aasgaard was accused of landing an elbow on Sevelj, with the Tangerine’s midfielder going down in a heap in the middle of the park, and the referee clearly buying the player’s reaction.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Football is a contact sport. I’m amazed at the reaction of the opponent, and I suspect that the referee’s taken a safety-first route. 

“I don’t think he’s fully witnessed it, but he’s seen the outcome, and that has an element of theatre, which is why the yellow card comes out. 

“This is the unfortunate side of football. Players attempt to get their opponents sent off by exaggeration. Looking at this film clip, his arm is in a natural position, and there’s doubt over the actual contact.”

What did Dundee United’s manager make of the incident?

Unsurprisingly, Jim Goodwin was furious with the decision only to award a yellow card, raging on the sidelines, before Beaton continued play at Ibrox.

The Tangerines would have loved to have played against 10 men for the majority of the game, but it was not to be, and the Gers moved up to first in the Scottish Premiership table temporarily.

Despite Marc Leonard being sent off for Hearts, Derek McInnes’ side drew 2-2 against Livingston to keep their spot at the top of the standings, for at least one more week.

Danny Rohl’s side will be confident of pipping their rivals to the league title, but Hearts will be doing everything in their power to fend off the Old Firm giants.