Stephen Craigan erupts on air during Rangers’ match against Livingston.
On Wednesday (27 September), Stephen Craigan was enraged by the decision to award Rangers a goal in the first half against Livingston.
The commentator suggested on Viaplay Sports co-commentary that Abdallah Sima knocked Jamie Brandon over before scoring for the Gers in their 4-0 triumph at Ibrox.
But he called it a “terrific finish” from the Senegalese forward, who guided an attempt past Shamal George from a tight angle to send the Light Blues into the Viaplay Cup semi-finals.
Sima gives @RangersFC the lead 🔵
The Senegalese forwards finds the back of the net with a fine placed finish 👏#ViaplayCup | @spfl pic.twitter.com/oaQfj5QkEL
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 27, 2023
“I have to say, I think everyone expected the whistle to go,” Craigan said. “It appeared as if Sima’s right hand simply pushed Jamie Brandon over.” That appears to be a free kick. He shoves him forward with his hand on his back.
“He pushes him over, but from there, Abdallah Sima’s finish is absolutely fantastic.” But I believe that right hand is more than enough to knock the defender down.”
Fortunate
Rangers appear to have gotten away with it after the referee elected not to call a foul on Sima in the build-up to the opener.
Livingston have every reason to be upset because the score was still 0-0 at the time and the defender was clearly thrown over.
However, there is no real consistency since Cyriel Dessers did significantly less in the Gers’ defeat to Celtic earlier this month, when he was unjustly assessed to have committed a foul.
The Light Blues would believe they earned some luck after so much has gone against them in the early stages of this season.
It was a convincing victory in the end, and they, along with Sima, will be seeking to build on this performance in the coming weeks.
