Mark Warburton’s Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers lost again on Sunday.
Speaking to Rangers TV, Andy Halliday has reflected on the “poor decision” by referee John Beaton which he felt cost the Glasgow giants on Sunday.
Rangers looked on course to earn a point at Aberdeen but ended up losing 2-1, courtesy of a late free kick by James Maddison.
But the goal was shrouded in controversy after Beaton awarded the Dons a very soft free kick which led to the goal, with television replays showing that James Tavernier – who was booked for the challenge – won the ball cleanly from Johnny Hayes.
The Gers’ boss Mark Warburton was incensed at full time and appeared to confront the Scottish official and his assistants following the whistle.
Halliday had levelled up for Rangers from the penalty spot on 79 minutes, and the midfielder reveals that he told referee Beaton – who booked nine players in total, which seemed a tad excessive – what he thought of the decision in real time.
He told Rangers TV: “I knew straight away that it wasn’t a free kick and I said that to John at the time.
“I actually thought the referee had a really good game, but it’s just one of those things and it was a poor decision at the time.”
Rangers have now lost two and drawn two of their last four Premiership outings and overall it is hardly proving the kind of fairytale return to the big time that it seemed like being before a ball was kicked, which may be the key phrase in that.
Rangers’ Harry Forrester (L) celebrates scoring their first goal against St Mirren with Andrew Halliday
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
