Dermot Gallagher has insisted that three of the four penalties given to Rangers in their 4-0 weekend triumph against St Mirren were correct decisions.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ ‘Ref Watch’ section on their football channel on Monday morning, the former Premier League referee claimed the only dubious decision made by official Andrew Dallas was the second spot-kick won by Jermain Defoe.
Tavernier slotted in two penalties either side of striking his second against the post, before he handed over duties to the on-loan Bournemouth man, who scored the fourth.
Gallagher on first penalty (scored by James Tavernier)
“Foul for me.”
Gallagher on second penalty (missed by James Tavernier)
“I wasn’t sure he caught him. Out of the four penalties, I think this is the only one I wasn’t sure about. I think he’s got the other three right.”
Gallagher on third penalty (scored by James Tavernier)
“Great call by the assistant because it’s all about where the assistant is. I think it is a handball because he’s put his arms up. He’s definitely caught the ball, he’s definitely stopped it and it’s on the line so it’s part of the penalty area. Penalty. I just think he’s had enough time where he has put his arms.”
Gallagher on fourth penalty (scored by Jermaine Defoe)
“I don’t know why the player does this. He’s just pulled him back it’s quite clear. He’s allowed to carry on and it’s definitely inside when he finishes. It’s a penalty.”
? REF WATCH ?
Dermot Gallagher believes Andrew Dallas got three out of four decisions correct in awarding @RangersFC penalties against @saintmirrenfc.
He also looks at @CelticFC defender Kristoffer Ajer red card late on against @StJohnstone https://t.co/3kqhhvm9zu
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 4, 2019
OPINION
Even when they are the beneficiaries of officialdom decisions, Rangers are stalked by controversy. Kilmarnock boss Steve Clarke and pundits were among those who waded in to criticise Defoe for going down way too easily for the second of the spot-kicks won by Steven Gerrard’s side in their hammering of lowly St Mirren at Ibrox. Fair enough. It didn’t make for great viewing from the experienced striker, and referees should avoid bowing to his reputation and giving him an unnecessary advantage, or treating him differently to other players. That said, Dallas couldn’t really be criticised for the other three spot-kicks in what was a madcap encounter fully in keeping with a club where drama never seems to be too far away. Gerrard felt his side could have had a fifth penalty, but that would have been ludicrous, and a step too far. He should just have been over the moon with getting four in his team’s favour.