Clinton Nsiala could face scrutiny from the Scottish FA following Rangers’ victory over Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday, according to Keith Hackett.
The 21-year-old defender started his sixth consecutive Scottish Premiership match as the Light Blues bounced back from their shock Scottish Cup exit against Queen’s Park last week.
Despite Rangers securing a 3-1 win, the performance was far from convincing, with Jamie McCart scoring two own goals for Philippe Clement’s side, who remains under pressure at Ibrox.
Nsiala delivered a solid defensive display, but Hackett was critical of the Frenchman’s conduct in the first half.
Nsiala accused of simulation in Rangers’ win
In the 39th minute, referee John Beaton awarded Rangers a free-kick after Nsiala appeared to be fouled by Adam Forrester. However, replays suggested minimal contact, with Nsiala dramatically falling to the ground and rolling over multiple times.
Former FIFA and Premier League referee Hackett argued that Beaton should have booked Nsiala and called for the Scottish FA to review the incident and potentially issue a retrospective sanction.
“This was a blatant act of simulation intended to deceive the referee,” Hackett told Ibrox News.
“I want to see players receiving yellow cards for these kinds of incidents.
“There was a time when the Scottish FA would review such cases post-match and take action against the guilty player.”
Nsiala’s actions reflect a wider issue
Diving and simulation have become common in football, regardless of league, nationality, or club. Nsiala is not the only player guilty of it, but it remains a frustrating issue.
Referees and football authorities are failing to clamp down on such behavior, and in this instance, Nsiala successfully misled Beaton, earning Rangers a free-kick.
If Beaton was swayed by the defender’s theatrics, the Scottish FA should intervene and consider handing out retrospective punishment.
