Referee Decision Baffles Experts as Rangers Denied Clear Penalty in Bilbao Defeat
Cyriel Dessers was left furious when referee Irfan Peljto waved play on during a pivotal moment in Rangers’ 2-0 Europa League loss to Athletic Bilbao — despite being blatantly pulled back by Dani Vivian with the score still goalless.
The incident, which saw the Bilbao defender tug Dessers’ shirt almost clean off, sparked outrage on the pitch and among pundits. Shockingly, VAR did not intervene to recommend a review, leaving players and fans stunned.
Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett was among those perplexed by the decision. Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett expressed disbelief that the shirt pull was overlooked.
“VAR should have picked that up and advised the referee to go to the monitor,” Hackett said. “It’s difficult to understand why such a clear infringement didn’t result in a penalty.”
Rangers legend Barry Ferguson was equally incensed, insisting his former club should have been awarded two spot kicks — including a second-half handball shout involving Nico Raskin that was also dismissed.
“We should’ve had two penalties. The first changes everything — a clear pull on Cyriel and a red card,” Ferguson said. “If they go down to ten men, it’s a totally different game.”
He added, “The second one is just as obvious. The ball hits the defender’s outstretched hand before Nico gets his shot away. That’s another penalty all day long.”
Ferguson also expressed frustration at the lack of communication from officials, revealing the fourth official refused to engage with him. Meanwhile, Dessers was booked for throwing his shirt after changing strips due to the earlier incident.
“I’m not sugar-coating it,” Ferguson concluded. “Everyone watching knew it was a penalty and a red card. It’s hard to take that those decisions weren’t made.”
