Dermot Gallagher reveals the Rangers red card factor that's hard to accept as unanimous verdict lands
Referee expert Dermot Gallagher believes John Lundstram was bang to rights for the lunge which earned him his dismissal for a crunching tackle on Alistair Johnston.
The Scouser was sent for an early soak after the initial yellow card brandished by Willie Collum was upgraded to a red card after he was sent to the monitor. No one could complain – bar Rangers legend Kenny Miller – and that's a view shared by English Premier League lifer Gallagher who believes such tackles must be elevated.
Speaking on Sky Sports' Ref Watch, the former leading official, said: "We want VAR to intervene when there's a clear mistake. You look at the images and the speed Lundstram comes at. Look at the distance he's travelled. The ball has gone and he catches him on the ankle with his studs. I think that's a red card. It's hard to accept a yellow card when you've got VAR available to overturn it."
And that was a view echoed by Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith, the former Liverpool defender said: "The speed of the challenge, that's why the referee needs help. I am fully behind VAR in this instance and it's why at times it's vitally important."
And was then backed up Sue Smith, she said: "It's absolutely a red card and sometimes it's difficult for a referee to see it on the pitch, so that's why you need VAR."
And Gallagher also backed the call to award the penalty for Mo Diomande's trip on Matt O'Riley – despite the limited contacted. He added: "He thinks he clips his right foot, doesn't he. It doesn't leap out as the most blatant penalty but the VAR gives him the chance to have a look. I think it's right he was sent to the monitor as it gives him the chance to have a look and he can always stick by his original decision."