Rangers demand video technology after being denied goal by ‘mind-blowing’ VAR call in draw at Hibs

Barry Ferguson last night backed up his Rangers bosses by insisting that Scottish football must bring in goal-line technology after the ‘mind-blowing’ sight of a goal from Nico Raskin at Easter Road not being given despite a video review.

With the Ibrox outfit one-up over Hibs yesterday, Raskin poked an effort past keeper Jordan Smith and looked like he’d made it 2-0 — with TV pictures clearly appearing to show the ball over the goal-line before defender Rocky Bushiri kicked it away.

However, no goal was given by referee Nick Walsh, Hibs raced up the field to equalise through Kieron Bowie and it was decided after a lengthy VAR review by Andrew Dallas that there was no incontrovertible proof that the ball was over the line.

Rangers released an official statement that questioned the ‘effectiveness’ of VAR and called for the introduction of goal-line technology — and Ferguson was completely in agreement.

‘It was baffling. That’s all I can say,’ remarked the interim boss. ‘I saw it when it happened, watched it at half-time and at the end. What’s the point?

‘Nick (Walsh, referee) won’t speak. The fourth official (Matthew MacDermid) was brand new but the referee wasn’t interested.

‘It’s clearly over the line, so it was disappointing. But I’ve seen it all season, decisions like that. Not just with Rangers. In other games that I watch.

‘That was mind-blowing today. It’s another reason why we need goal-line technology, but you don’t need technology for that incident. It’s clear to see it’s over the line. It’s got to be up there with the worst I’ve seen.

‘Some of the decisions are so poor and I’m not going on just about Rangers. I watched a penalty incident in midweek with the same referee and same VAR. What does that say?’

A Rangers spokesperson added: ‘Incidents like this again bring into question the effectiveness of VAR and also highlight the need to introduce goal-line technology to Scottish football.

‘Our supporters, players and staff deserve better. We will raise this with the SFA and continue to press for initiatives which improve the accuracy of decision-making.’

Hibs manager David Gray felt there could also have been a free-kick given for a foul on Bushiri by Raskin, but agrees goal-line technology could be something to consider.

‘Until you can categorically prove whether it is or it isn’t (over the line), that then comes back to the technology,’ he said. ‘I understand the frustration, but clearly, until you can say it’s definitely in or it’s definitely not, which is what the goal-line technology would bring, you’re always going to have that grey area all the time.

‘Clearly, it’s gone for us on that occasion. If it was given as a goal, you couldn’t prove that it wasn’t or it was. We go straight up the pitch and score. There might even have been a foul on Rocky Bushiri before the ball is knocked over the line. Did it go in? I don’t know. That’s the thing. So everyone’s having that same conversation.’

Ferguson is now waiting for news on his own position as the club prepares for the upcoming takeover by a US consortium involving Andrew Cavenagh and the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers.

‘I hope it’s not my last game but we’ll see over the next couple of days,’ he said. ‘I know I can do the job if I get the right tools. I know I can change it.

‘When do I expect clarity on the situation? Hopefully in the next couple of days. Whatever happens, I’ll support whoever gets the job.’

Rangers fans attracted anger pre-match for chanting during a minute’s applause for Sir Tom Farmer — with Gray praising the former Hibs owner after the game.

‘He saved the club at a time of need,’ said Gray. ‘It’s a really sad day and I’m very grateful for everything he’s done for the football club.’