Both major decisions in last night’s match between Rangers and St Johnstone were approved by James McFadden, even though the red card should have been given sooner.
With Saints already trailing 1-0 at Ibrox thanks to Cyriel Dessers’ opener, their task was made even more difficult when Diallang Jaiyesimi was sent off for a strong challenge on John Lundstram. Despite the horror tackle leaving the English midfielder writhing in pain, referee Alan Muir
However, VAR asked him to look at it again and it was upgraded to a red. McFadden admits that was eventually the correct call but questioned why the VAR intervention was needed when Muir had a good view of what was a reckless challenge.
He told BBC Sportscene: “Yeah, it was a red card. Jaiyesimi, the ball comes into him in a positive position for St Johnstone. Craig Levein has talked about playing the ball into attacking positions, but Jaiyesimi takes a really heavy first touch and tries to fix it.
“And look he gets the ball first but it’s a clear red card. Alan Muir had a lot of time to look at it. I thought on first viewing he has got the ball, yes, but he has clearly gone through the man and Alan Muir was going to send him off in the first instance.
“I didn’t think it needed to go to VAR. It did, and quite rightly he comes to the correct decision.”
Gers were able to wrap up the win from the penalty spot in the dying minutes when Dessers was upended by visiting goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov.
And McFadden added: “It’s really early to come for that ball, he’s got no chance of getting it. The ball is going wide but you have to credit Dessers, and it’s a penalty kick. There’s no doubt about it.”
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