Liam Kelly emerged as the standout hero as Rangers battled to a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.
The Gers were reduced to 10 men for more than 90 minutes after Robin Propper was shown a red card for a professional foul on Inaki Williams, following a VAR review.
Controversy didn’t end there. VAR also intervened after Alex Berenguer’s goal was disallowed, with Dujon Sterling penalized for an alleged handball in the box.
Referee Istvan Kovacs awarded a penalty after reviewing the incident, but Kelly stepped up to make a crucial save and preserve the stalemate, which could prove vital heading into the return leg.
UEFA urged to probe Ibrox controversy
Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett has called on UEFA to investigate the penalty decision, arguing that video replays lacked clear evidence to justify the call.
Sterling was ruled to have handled the ball deliberately, but Hackett disagrees with the interpretation.
“I hope the incident, where a goal was ruled out for offside before a penalty was awarded, is investigated,” Hackett told Ibrox News.
“I’ve reviewed the footage several times and still don’t see enough clarity to make either decision with confidence.
“It seems semi-automated offside tech may have been involved, but I can’t see a clear, deliberate movement from Sterling towards the ball that would warrant a penalty.”
All to play for in Bilbao
The stage is now set for a thrilling second leg in Bilbao next Thursday.
Rangers will be cautious of the Spaniards’ gamesmanship, with every decision closely contested and VAR likely to play another major role.
Should UEFA open an investigation, officials may be briefed differently ahead of the return clash, which will determine who moves on to face either Manchester United or Lyon in the semi-finals.
Interim boss Barry Ferguson will demand the same fight and determination from his squad, having received a yellow card himself during a heated, goalless encounter.
