Yahoo News Kilmarnock boss insists 'harsh' red card changed game in Rangers defeat
Kilmarnock gaffer Derek McInnes insisted Joe Wright’s red card was ‘harsh’ and confessed that was the turning point in their 4-1 loss at Ibrox.
The visitors got themselves in front early doors against Rangers when Liam Polworth’s delightful delivery to the back post was met by Matty Kennedy with the winger’s strike rolling into the net after bouncing of Gers skipper James Tavernier.
He blew his chance to make amends midway through the first half when his side were awarded a spot-kick following a VAR check for handball.
The Killie centre-back was falling backwards when the ball struck his arm inside the six yard box.
Will Dennis tipped the effort wide but the 10-man visitors weren’t able to hold out.
Fabio Silva levelled things up in the dying second of the first half before goals from Ben Davies, Tom Lawrence and John Souttar after the break put the game to bed.
McInnes said: “It was good character and personality to get ourselves in front against the odds and going 1-0 up at a place like Ibrox it’s important you have confidence.
“Scoring the first goal is magic for that. But the game changes on the sending off.
“We got ourselves in a bit of a fankle. And then it’s the whole thing about double jeopardy – there’s no doubt it’s hit Joe’s arm but it’s accidental although he stopped a goal-scoring opportunity. Penalty? Yes. Sending off? If that is the rule then it is the rule but I am not sure it should be the rule.
“It was extremely harsh given the circumstances. I don’t think he’s deliberately swung his hand out to stop a goal. The penalty would have sufficed.”
He added: “Will makes the save and there’s eight minutes of added time. I know there were two or three VAR checks but eight minutes seemed quite a lot.
“I spoke to the fourth official, he said 30 seconds to go and that was in the lead-up, so it was the last seconds of the half when we have one situation we need to defend better.
“I thought 4-1 was harsh. We were trying to make changes and just then the second goal goes in. From there on, Rangers had good control and it became a difficult afternoon.”
Despite the defeat, Killie still hold a six point advantage over St Mirren in the race for fourth place - with the two sides set to meet in Paisley at the weekend.
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