Rangers Fans were left upset after a controversial VAR call against them in their shock 2-0 defeat by Union Saint-Gilloise.
The Belgian club go to Glasgow next week with a two-goal advantage after Tuesday’s big home win as they look to secure Champions League football.
FINAL: Royale Union Saint-Gilloise 2-0 Rangers
It’s not our night in Belgium. Back to Ibrox next Tuesday for the second leg. pic.twitter.com/VHXysyMk9h
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) August 2, 2022
But they had a little help from some questionable refereeing when the match referee decided to show the sport after a VAR review.
A USG player hit the ball against Ben Davies, which slipped out of the hands of Connor Goldson at close range.
However, Goldson was adjudged to have handled the ball, with the referee awarding a penalty – which was successfully converted.
A colossal blow for the Rangers! 😬
After a VAR review, a penalty was awarded against Conor Goldson for handball and Union doubled their lead 🖐️ pic.twitter.com/2uNWAHNOjI
— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) August 2, 2022
The decision to award the penalty angered Rangers fans on social media.
One tweeted: “Ref wanted to make a name for himself. How can someone who’s watched 2 minutes of football decide he’s a pen.”
The second wrote: “I have never seen a worse decision in my life.”
A third added: “This is a shocking decision.”
Another commented: “What the hell is a penalty.”
And if you are wondering why this penalty should not be given against Rangers, the handball law guidance states and I quote:
“Exceptions, eg the player’s arm is already out when there is no expectation that the ball will come to the player or near the player from a teammate.”
— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) August 2, 2022
This is a horrible decision for Connor Goldson, never on earth is it a penalty for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. 2-0 down and in trouble in this Rangers tie, no ifs or buts. This is unacceptable from Rangers. Sad result and performance.
— Josh Bunting (@Buntingfootball) August 2, 2022
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side face a tough challenge if they are to seal their Champions League spot.
Speaking after the game, he revealed he was “disappointed” with his team’s performance.
“I’m very, very disappointed, especially as our performance was not at the level it usually is,” said the Dutchman.
“We have to change that in a long time. You try to change personnel to change the game, but overall we had too many below their usual performance, which makes it very difficult to play as a unit.
“That’s been our biggest problem. That’s the biggest thing that needs to change if we want to get through next week.”
Rangers host USG next Tuesday at Ibrox as they look to overturn their first leg deficit.
