Neil Lennon and John Hartson has both reacted to Ryan Kent being sent off on Tuesday night, as Rangers failed to beat Aberdeen at Pittodrie. Kent was shown a second yellow for a foul on Celtic legend Scott Brown late on.
It was a frustrating night for Rangers and Gio van Bronckhorst’s men, who failed to hold on to a slender 1-0 away lead. Ianis Hagi gave the Gers the opening goal, finishing superbly after a lovely cross from Ryan Kent.
But the Gers failed to extend their lead and when Aberdeen were awarded a penalty on 73 minutes, Lewis Ferguson duly obliged – sending Allan McGregor the wrong way. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
However, there was a late twist as Kent saw his marching orders. The attacker closed down Brown and as the midfielder cleared, took advantage of contact from Kent – throwing himself theatrically into the air.
It saw Kent earn a second yellow card, and will now be banned for one match. Ex-Celtic gaffer Lennon spoke of how Brown will be loving Tuesday night, while Hartson believes Brown has done Kent “a kipper”.
Lennon told Sky Sports: “He will be enjoying this. There’s still blood and you can see why Celtic fans love him. Scotty’s very good at the noise up. He will be loving it, reveling in it.”
Lennon and Hartson on Brown: Red for Rangers star Kent harsh?
What Kent has done gives Brown the chance to react in the way he has. It is foolish on a yellow card, but telling after a frustrating night in which Rangers saw their six-point lead slip to just four against Aberdeen.
Kent will learn from it but with Joe Aribo at the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria, it is a blow for the Gers that he will now be banned. Perhaps, it could convince Rangers and van Bronckhorst to move in the window.
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