Nick Walsh’s decision to stick with his red card for Rangers player Mohamed Diomande against Dundee United was unexpected, Keith Hackett acknowledges.
On January 26, the Ivorian scored the first goal in the 3-1 victory at Tannadice, but he was sent off in the closing seconds for allegedly slapping Kevin Holt.
Walsh did not reconsider the decision, even though VAR advised him to do so after what seemed to be zero contact.
The former FIFA referee said in an exclusive interview with Ibrox News that the ruling ought to have been reduced to a yellow card since no violent behaviour was shown.
Hackett remarked, “I am shocked that the Rangers player received a red card.”
After noticing that the referee in a match had simultaneously shown both coloured cards, the VAR appropriately stepped in.
Following the issue, Rangers are shocked. “He then showed the home team player the yellow and the Rangers player the red.”
“VAR correctly stepped in, in my opinion.
“I don’t think the Rangers player engaged in violent behaviour. The referee ought to have reversed his judgement and given a yellow card.
When Walsh returned from the VAR screen to uphold his initial ruling, Philippe Clement was astounded.
Diomande did very nothing wrong, and even if he did extend his hand, it was probably going to escape the defender’s grasp, and he overreacted, which would have resulted in a decision.
The midfield player would miss games against teams like Ross County and Hearts if he is not appealed or fails in that regard.
