Dermot Gallagher exposes the Rangers red card component that is difficult to comprehend.

Dermot Gallagher exposes the Rangers red card component that is difficult to comprehend.

Dermot Gallagher, a referee specialist, feels that John Lundstram was right on target when he lunged at Alistair Johnston, resulting in his dismissal. Willie Collum’s first yellow card was upgraded to a red card and the Scouser was sent to the monitor, whereupon he was given an early soak. With the exception of Rangers great Kenny Miller, nobody could be upset, and English Premier League veteran Gallagher agrees, feeling that these kinds of tackles ought to be more serious. The former top official stated on Ref Watch: “We want VAR to step in when there’s an obvious error. You observe the pictures and the velocity at which Lundstram travels. Take a look at how far he’s gone in his studs.

I think that’s a red card. It’s hard to accept a yellow card when you’ve got VAR available to overturn it.”

And that was a view echoed by Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith, the former Liverpool defender said: “The speed of the challenge, that’s why the referee needs help. I am fully behind VAR in this instance and it’s why at times it’s vitally important.”

And was then backed up Sue Smith, she said: “It’s absolutely a red card and sometimes it’s difficult for a referee to see it on the pitch, so that’s why you need VAR.”

And Gallagher also backed the call to award the penalty for Mo Diomande’s trip on Matt O’Riley – despite the limited contacted. He added: “He thinks he clips his right foot, doesn’t he. It doesn’t leap out as the most blatant penalty but the VAR gives him the chance to have a look. I think it’s right he was sent to the monitor as it gives him the chance to have a look and he can always stick by his original decision.”

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